Define & Achieve SMART Goals

With The SMART Method To Success

The SMART goals , also known as the SMART formula or SMART formula , are a popular method for precisely defining goals. With SMART goals , desired results are put into a timely, tangible and detailed context in order to be easier to track, understand and achieve with great motivation.

In the following article you will find out what these terms mean in detail for setting goals in everyday project work. And what exactly the SMART formula is and how it can be used in project management. What are examples of SMART goals?

1. Definition: SMART Goals

The SMART formula provides a target formulation based on certain parameters . The term is an acronym, each letter stands for one of these framework conditions. The individual elements are specific , measurable, accepted, realistic and time –  bound. Recorded in the project profile, the goals are always available.

2. Formulate SMART Goals – Explanation In Detail

S – Specific

A goal should always be specific. This is particularly important because only then is it possible to have a concrete, clear and unambiguous understanding of the desired result. When describing the goal, be careful not to remain too general. For your project planning, this means that your goal should not be “accelerate purchasing” or “improve after-sales“.

These descriptions are very vague and intangible. You can start with a general statement, but you should have made this sufficiently precise with the SMART parameters at the latest after the last point so that there is no room for interpretation.

M – Measurable

Your goal should always be measurable . Therefore, state which measurable criteria you apply. For example, when it comes to “accelerating the purchasing process”, a measurable variable could be how much faster it should be.

A – Accepted

Your goal should be accepted by as many employees as possible. For this it should come out why it is worthwhile to work towards it and to follow the intended path. In part, the letter A in SMART goals is also described as “ Attractive ”, which emphasizes the importance of tangible added value.

• Why do we want to pursue this goal ?
• What is the added value ?
• Why do we accept this goal?

R – Realistic

It is particularly important for the measurability and acceptance of the goal that it is realistic . Increasing weekly sales by 200 percent while working 10 hours less certainly sounds desirable. It should be checked whether this is also feasible.

Therefore, think carefully about how your desired result can be achieved with the available resources and how it can be designed on that basis.

T – Terminated

To complete the formulation of your goals, name the specific period in which you want to achieve them. As with a schedule, plan enough buffers in case not all measures take effect immediately. Use the scale of your project as a guide for the periods of time: medium-term optimization usually takes less time than extensive change management.

Converting existing processes does not happen overnight. Changing the market orientation completely is just as little. Therefore, set yourself a tight & sporty, but realistic and achievable goal.

3. SMART Project Management: Include Goals In The Planning

In project planning, SMART goals are particularly useful in the first project management phases . When creating a project plan , the questions “What?” and “Why?” to the first. Logical: The goals should be fixed before a project is planned in detail. This also helps with the balance in the magic triangle.

Adequate goal setting has many advantages : communication with employees, stakeholders and clients becomes more precise and easier and you can prevent conflicts and misunderstandings. In a team, a uniform and ideally jointly designed line also strengthens the team structure.

4. Conclusion: With SMART Goals To Success

SMART goals are an established and practical method in project management to noticeably simplify your project planning. For communication, approval and also the work – clear goals are necessary for projects to be successful and economical.

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