The SMART method helps to set precise goals. It is a tool for those who want to follow their dreams, whether they are companies, associations, families or individuals. Some people have many plans, while others are happy with just one at a time. It is an individual matter. However, all goals have one thing in common, and that is their success. Do you really want to achieve your goal? Use this tool.
Strategic planning and strategic goals are important for the functioning not only of companies, but also of individuals who want to achieve success. To truly reach your desired target, you need to define it specifically. For example, saying that you will save money is nice, but how will you check along the way whether you are succeeding in fulfilling your plan? How much do you want to save? And why?
Adjust your goal according to the following points and you will see that this alone will bring you closer to achieving it.
The SMART method as an effective tool
This concept first saw the light of day in 1981. Since then, countless companies and individuals have used this method. It is used not only in management, but also in coaching. By using it, you will set your goals very specifically, making it easier for you to achieve them. What is hidden under the abbreviation SMART?
S – specific
Your goal must be as concrete as possible. What is it about? Why do you want to achieve a certain goal? For example, regarding the savings mentioned earlier, define why you want to save. Do you want to build an emergency fund for a “just in case” scenario, or do you want to buy a new television, for example?
Other options for the letter S:
- Simple – by simplicity, it is meant easily understandable for everyone
M – measurable
Your goal must be measurable. To define it, use specific numbers, whether it is pieces or a percentage increase. Everyone who fulfils it must have a clear idea of what will be achieved.
Now you know why you want to save for a new TV. Determine how much. A new television costs about 920 USD and you either have nothing put aside, or you have half the amount in reserve and will therefore only save for the other half.
Other options for the letter M:
- Motivated – the person fulfilling the set plan should have the desire to fulfil it
- Meaningful – this point is somewhat related to the point above, the activity performed should make sense and it is not just about money
- Manageable – always take into account the abilities of the person performing the task, we are each different and have different prerequisites for handling various tasks
A – achievable
Is your goal achievable? Where are you now and where do you want to get? This part is especially important for the person fulfilling the goal. If you assign a task to an employee who evaluates it as too easy or too difficult, they will postpone its implementation. Set the goal so that it is a challenge, but at the same time achievable. In the example with the TV, do you know how to save? Do you have any money left from your salary, or do you pay for all essentials and have very little left over? Always take your possibilities and abilities into account.
Other options for the letter A:
- Appropriate – suitable not only for the person performing it, but also suitable for the company culture, strategy, etc.
- Ambitious – achievable, but not completely easy
- Agreed – the responsible worker was involved in defining the goal and identifies with it
Tip: Read how to get rich using financial leverage.
R – relevant
Is the fulfilment of this specific goal in line with the other plans and long-term plans of the company? What about the person who will fulfil it, do they have the right prerequisites, knowledge, time? In the example with the TV, is it worth buying a new television when you want to limit watching television in the long term?
Other options for the letter R:
- Realistic – if a goal is unrealistic, it is hard for anyone to even try to fulfil it
- Resourced – you have enough resources, time, people, information to achieve the plan
- Valuable, beneficial (rewarding), the goal should bring a new experience, new information, and be a benefit
T – time-bound
Determine by when you want to achieve your goal. Is it a few months, a year, three years, ten years? In the example with the TV, when do you want to buy your new TV? Ideally within a year?
Other options for the letter T:
- Tangible – motivation after fulfilment comes with an evident result
SMART goals examples
We will show you other examples of what concrete plans can look like:
- Increase the number of followers on a social network from 500 fans to 1,000 within three months
- The sales department will bring in 15% more new customers within half a year (currently there are 256)
- I will lose 12 kg from the beginning of February to the end of May
- Increase the number of e-shop orders by 20% over five months (currently there are 137)
The more relevant information you add, the better it will be for you to implement the tasks. You will know where to focus and which direction to go. Also constantly keep in mind their achievability and realism. Motivate your employees not only with a financial reward, but also allow them training or an influx of new information that will help them with fulfilment.
The answer to the question – HOW to achieve the given goal – will be helped by another tool called SWOT analysis. Thanks to this analysis, you will determine your strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats. You will thus find out what to watch out for and what you can build on during implementation.
The SMARTER method
You may also encounter a more expanded version of the SMART method. There are two additional letters here and they mean:
E – evaluated
Evaluate the achievement of your plan retrospectively. Was it worth it? Did you neglect other things on the way to this one specific goal that are also important? You can also evaluate your actions along the way. It is even desirable. If you see in the middle of the time that the results are not much and you are lagging quite a bit behind the desired numbers, think about it and try to change your tactics. Or the goal, maybe it is not as realistic as you imagined at the beginning.
Other options for the letter E:
- Ecological
- Ethical
R – rewarded
You have achieved the desired target. You or your employees have dedicated a lot of time, thoughts, and actions to the achievement. Do not forget about a corresponding reward. Whether you invite your colleagues for a meal, buy them a small gift, or give them a financial reward, it will certainly be a good motivation for them to fulfil other plans.
Other options for the letter R:
- Reevaluate
There are more explanations of the individual letters in the abbreviation SMARTER. In the end, it does not matter which one you choose. The important thing is that your goal is as specific as possible. Everyone who participates in its fulfilment must clearly know what they have to do and by when. Only at such a moment is its achievement realistic.
Now you know how to precisely define your plans. They are clear not only to you, but also to other people who will participate in their fulfilment. Try out the benefits of this method yourself.
Are you detail-oriented when planning goals? What specifically helps you to fulfil your plans? Share with us in the comment below the article and share the article with your friends.
