Most strategic plans fail the SMART test on at least three of the five letters.
SMART Goals is a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound. It exists because:
- Annual objective setting
- Individual performance objectives
- Sales target structuring
- Capability development goals
- Project deliverable definition
- Function-level KPI design
If it does not pass all five, it is an aspiration.
Used properly, the tool delivers the following:
- Clarity (Specific)
- Accountability (Measurable)
- Realism (Achievable)
- Relevance (Relevant)
- Urgency (Time-bound)