Smart Goals Examples for Leadership
Be S.M.A.R.T
SMART goals include being specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. Here are some examples that will help you formulate an excellent leadership plan for yourself and your team!
Specific Goals
Specific goals are well defined and clear on what needs to happen. Specific outcomes are to be the plan to be considered accomplished. What results do you need to see? Be as detailed and straightforward as possible when you make goals.
Measurable Goals
Measurable goals enable you to evaluate whether or not you achieved the goal. Measure out the “stepping stones” needed to lead up to the accomplished goal. Measure the steps, tools, and timing along the way.
Attainable Goals
Attainable goals need to be realistic based on the time and resources available to accomplish the goal. Is it realistically achievable or not? Do you have the time, money, and physical resources needed to achieve the plan by the deadline? Once you determine it is attainable, there is no excuse not to complete it.
Relevant Goals
Relevant goals are essential to you and will contribute to meeting your larger goals. Do they play a role in the big picture? Make sure the small plans help move you toward achieving the ultimate goal. There is the old saying to make sure your ladder is leaning up against the right wall before you climb it.
Time-Based Goals
Time-based goals lock specific goals into a timeframe and specify when they will be complete. When do you need the plan to be completed? Once this is determined, please write it down and then write out the daily action steps required to get there on time.
Examples of S.M.A.R.T Leadership
- Pull out a pencil, pad of paper, and a calendar.
- Set aside time to “think for a change” and set a worthwhile goal.
- Write out S. M. A. R. T. down the side of a notepad.
- Write out the overall goal at the top of the paper.
- Fill in the blanks, be free, and allow yourself to specify your best case scenarios. (this is the first draft, and you will revise it until it is good) Be Specific, determine your Measures, write down what is Attainable, make a note of how it is Relevant and be Time-Based with specific deadlines for each piece of the action plan.
- HERE IS WHERE THE LEADERSHIP PART COMES FROM. Show it to your team and let the team know it is the first draft. Ask the group for input and LISTEN. Take notes! Allow them to contribute and take ownership.
- Go back to the drawing board and redo steps 1-5 by yourself and keep in mind the feedback you received from the team.
- Run this draft by someone older and wiser and ask for their counsel. LISTEN to them and take notes. Never worry about how many pads of paper you go through! Make any changes you feel need to be made.
- Sleep on big decisions. Leaders should always be prepared to make decisions quickly, but if you have time to sleep on it, I would advise you to do it. A good night’s sleep offers a fresh perspective the following day.
- Write out a final draft and call the team back together. Present the goals to the team, and cast the vision and expectations to the team. Assign team assignments based on people’s skill sets and interests.
- Lead the process and lead by example. Work with your team to accomplish the S.M.A.R.T. goals and be willing to REVISE the plan when needed. The leader sets the pace, so get going and be persistent until the goal is complete.
- Leaders develop leaders! You can develop leaders who can support and eventually take over. Celebrate the victory when it is complete and show someone on your team how to do this.
The size of the goal determines the time you spend being S.M.A.R.T
Priority is common sense but remember to schedule more time for this process as the purposes get larger and more critical. Your business plan for the next year may take more time than setting your quarterly sales goals, for example.
Time management is critical if you are to give yourself the time to be S.M.A.R.T. Hopefully, these examples will help you move to the next level.
Grab a daily planner and schedule your time wisely. Every minute counts, and time is on your side if you stay accountable to your planner.
I posted musings and ideas on leadership with surprisingly deep thought
To Your Success.
