A goal we think about but fail to write down is one that may soon be forgotten. We are reminded of the goal every so often, but there is little likelihood of achieving it.
An example may be, “I work as an HR Generalist & I want to become my company’s Director of Human Resources.” Even if we draft a list of goals, it’s simply a to-do list that lacks structure. There is no explanation of how we will achieve our goals or when we plan to accomplish them.
The SMART method uses a set of criteria to ensure objectives are clearly defined & attainable within a certain timeframe:
-SPECIFIC: What needs to be accomplished? What steps need to be taken? Which resources are needed?
-MEASUREABLE: How much? How will I know when it is accomplished?
-ATTAINABLE: How can I accomplish the goal? How realistic is the goal based on other constraints (financial factors/other projects)?
-RELEVANT: Is this the right time? Is it applicable in the current socio-economic environment?
-TIME-BASED: When? What can I do 6 months from now, 6 weeks from now & today?
Going back to the goal, “I work as an HR Generalist & I want to become my company’s Director of Human Resources,” the SMART version would look like this:
SPECIFIC: I want to gain the skills/experience to become the Director of Human Resources within my company, so I can build my career & lead a successful team of HR professionals.
MEASURABLE: I will receive an MBA with a concentration in HRM & HR Certification within 5 years.
ATTAINABLE: Do I have the necessary time & can I afford to complete an MBA & HR Certification with my other responsibilities?
RELEVANT: Is this the right time to work toward the additional requirements? Am I the right person for the Director of Human Resources role?
TIME-BASED: Can I meet the criteria to be accepted into an MBA program? Is 5 years reasonable to acquire both an MBA & HR Certification?
R U ready to use the SMART method to convert to-do lists into formal goals with conditions for success/failure for yourself & your team? R U Ready to Achieve can help!
