Setting a goal is the first step to any journey. Without goals you have nothing to aim for and you are unable to measure your successes. Having a goal to work towards gives you a purpose.
Setting smaller more specific goals that are realistic and attainable as well as making them measurable and setting a time/date to have it completed gives you that focus you need to reach your main target while be able to monitor your progress along the way. These are called SMART goals.
SMART stands for…
Specific
Setting a clear goal focuses your efforts in the correct place increasing your motivation to achieve it. Some other S’s to consider when setting your goal are keep it Simple, Sensible and Significant. Another main area to focus on is answering the five W’s:
- What is it that you want to accomplish?
- Why is this goal important to you?
- Who needs to be involved?
- Where is this goal located?
- Which resources need to be involved? What are you limits with these resources?
Measurable
Tracking your progress is a really important part of keeping yourself motivated throughout your goal. Making sure that you goal is measurable allows you to assess your progress at different stages and stay on track in order to meet deadlines. Focus on questions such as:
- How much?
- How many?
- How will you know when the goal has been accomplished?
Attainable
In order to avoid becoming demotivated, you need to make sure that your goal is attainable. It should represent a challenge but still be realistic and possible. Finances and other available resources should be strongly considered to ensure that the goal that you have set is possible in the most basic sense. The A in SMART goals is also sometimes referred to as Achievable.
Relevant
This is all about ensuring that the goal is relevant to you and your organisational objectives. There is no point in setting a goal if it isn’t going be worthwhile for your business. You also need to make sure that you are the right person to reach the goal. The R is SMART can also be referred to as Realistic.
Time Sensitive
Every goal that you set needs to have a deadline in order for you to have a date to work towards. This part of the SMART goal helps you to prioritise all of your tasks in order to stay on track to meet your main targets. It is also important to make your deadlines realistic to avoid losing focus. A time sensitive goal should answer:
- When?
- What can I do today?
- What can you do six weeks from now?
- What can you do six months from now?
Setting these goals is an ongoing process and applies not only to a business as a whole, but also the individuals that work for the business. Using these SMART goals provides a business with a structured framework and a clear, focused direction to follow that will enable your business to progress and grow.
If you need any advice or have any questions about setting SMART goals for your company don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 01423 813520 and one of our business consultants will be happy to help.