SMART

Present an example Goal Statement applicable to your organization and follow your Goal Statement with an example of a SMART Objective to help achieve the Goal. Analyze how these two statements are different from one another.

Goal: A broad-reaching statement of what we want to achieve. (Usually at least 1 to 3 years in the business world when used in a Strategic Planning effort)

Objective: A specific statement of action(s) we plan to take to help us achieve each of our Goals. (shorter term)

In most cases, multiple Objectives are developed to help achieve a single goal, and collectively these objectives will result in meeting the goal.

Since Objectives define actions we intend to take, and as such, will turn into work being performed by the people in the organization, we will be using the “SMART Objectives“ principles for developing our objectives. So, for clarity, when we speak or write of objectives as a part of strategic planning in this course, we will use the term "SMART Objectives."

“ SMART” is an acronym for the following required elements of a quality Objective.

S----Specific   (Not a vague statement---defines work to be accomplished)

M---Measurable  (The organization determines what constitutes completion)

A---Achievable  (The organization makes the necessary commitment)

R---Relevant  (The objective is fully supportive of accomplishing the Goal)

T---Time-Framed  (The time for completion of the Objective is not open-ended)