Set objectives which are smart

Objectives need to be achievable. Keeping a good balance is important — while being attainable, objectives still need to stretch you and the team, but not so far that any of you become frustrated and lose motivation. Is this possible?

Do we have the resources, such as, people, money, skills, equipment and knowledge required to support the tasks required to achieve the objective? To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which your business is both willing and able to work. It also must be realistic within the availability of the resources, knowledge and time the business has available. A goal can be both high and realistic but ensure that every goal represents substantial progress.

To determine whether or not your goal is realistic, ask questions such as:. Commitment to a deadline helps a team focus their efforts towards the completion of the objective and prevents the goals from being overtaken by other unrelated routine tasks that may arise.

It also provides the necessary impetus to keep the team motivated to make things happen, helps set priorities and prompts action. Use verbs, especially those with a strong call to action. If your objective is to improve something, start with that.

Examples of verbs to help you define your objectives with a focus on action include reduce, improve, increase, eliminate, produce, install, write, develop, build and complete. Differentiate between objectives and aims, goals and targets before you start.

Objectives are your battle-plans whereas an aim and goal relate to your aspirations. This is why targets require constant monitoring, and revising if necessary, to remain valid and meaningful. Need help with your website , social media , advertising or your ranking in Google? To book, simply join Business Australia as a free member. Already a member? Accomplishing this goal will [result or benefit]. In order for a goal to be effective, it needs to be specific.

A specific goal answers questions like:. Jane and her product team want to grow the number of their mobile app users — but by how much? Same goes for their strategy; how many platforms will they advertise on?

This is the point in the process when you give yourself a serious reality check. Goals should be realistic — not pedestals from which you inevitably tumble. Ask yourself: is your objective something your team can reasonably accomplish?

Related: 5 Ways to Achieve Goals in the Workplace. I will obtain a job as a high school math teacher within three months after graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Education. I will earn a promotion to senior customer service representative by completing the required training modules in three months and applying for the role at the end of next quarter.

While goals can be challenging, using the SMART framework can organize the process and provide structure before you begin. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Career Development. Will everyone be able to understand it? A vague objective leads to poor results Measurable. Clear targets allow you to measure whether you are making the progress you expect or have anticipated Agreed, attainable and achievable.

Objectives must be agreed so your people can own them. They should be attainable and achievable by the person you have asked to meet the objective Realistic and resourced. Given your resources and the current climate, is your objective realistic?

Do you have the resources the time, money and equipment to make it happen? You must set a clear timeframe for objectives so the people working on the objective are clear when it has to be achievedAn objective will only be useful if it passes the SMART test. How will working from home affect your career? Get a 3 year accreditation and advise from Investors in People. Discover how we help you assess your organisation against established benchmarks. People Framework.

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