SMART GoalsWhat?, When?, Why?

What are SMART goals?

Framework for setting goals

Specific● Increase the sales by 3% vs. Work hard to

increase the sales● Release the new version of the software

with 3 new features from client requests vs. Do your best to release a new version of the software

Measurable● Increase the sales by 3% vs. Work hard to

increase the sales● Release the new version of the software

with 3 new features from client requests vs. Do your best to release a new version of the software

Agreed-Upon● Team agrees about using strategies to

increase sales vs. Management has decided to introduce strategies to increase sales

● Team met with management to outline what features to add vs. Management has outlined the features for the new version of the software

Reasonable● Staff has access to tools and techniques to

reach the goal vs. Staff can find ways to reach the goal

● The scope is relevant to the team size vs. Do your best to add all the good features

Time Bound● Increase the sales in four months vs.

Increase sales● Release the new version of the software in

2 months vs. Release the new version soon

Why SMART goals? ● Improves focus and self discipline● Helps drive performance● by giving the feeling of fulfillment● Improved time management skills● Gives the meaning of working towards achieving the goal● Not good for all environments - Most effective when the

strategic direction is understood

When are SMART goals effective● Familiar environment - the environment that is understood

by the goal setter.

● In an environment where strategic direction is defined

● In challenging environment - the desired results can be achieved by setting multiple goals build on each other

● The environment is too complex and unfamiliar

● The strategic direction is not clear or is too broad and complex

When are SMART goals NOT effective

Limitations - constrain learning● Specificity and measurability can constrain creativity,

learning and innovation - In complex and unfamiliar environment

● Can lead to multiple conflicting goals - increase the sales and decrease advertising costs

Limitations - Unethical behavior

Limitations - Tunnel Vision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGQmdoK_ZfY