SMART is an acronym for a widely used goal-setting framework. It’s short for:
- S - Specific: Goals should be clear, well-defined, and unambiguous. They answer the "who, what, where, when, why, and how" of the objective.
- M - Measurable: Goals must have measurable indicators to track progress and determine when they've been achieved. This involves setting metrics or benchmarks.
- A - Achievable: Goals should be realistic and achievable given available resources, time, and capabilities. While challenging, they shouldn't be impossible.
- R - Relevant: Goals should align with broader objectives, values, and the overall mission. They should make sense in the context of the larger picture.
- T - Time-bound: Goals need a defined deadline or timeframe for completion. This creates urgency and provides a target for completion.
These are often used so individuals and organizations can set more focused, actionable, and trackable goals, increasing their chances of success and making things like performance evaluation easier.
