SMART Goals refer to a framework for setting objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach is designed to provide clarity and focus, ensuring that goals are not only well-defined but also actionable and trackable.
Specific
The goal should be clear, unambiguous, and direct, answering the basic questions of who, what, where, when, and why.
Measurable
It should be possible to measure progress and completion. Metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) are commonly used for this purpose.
Achievable
The goal should be realistic, considering the resources available and the constraints of the situation.
Relevant
It should align with broader business objectives or personal aspirations, ensuring that achieving the goal will have a meaningful impact.
Time-bound
There should be a clearly defined time frame within which the goal is to be achieved, adding a sense of urgency and focus.
The SMART Goals methodology provides a structured way to articulate and pursue objectives, making it easier to plan, track, and reach them. It is a popular tool in various settings, from personal development to organisational planning and performance management.
Origin of the SMART Goals
The SMART Goals framework is often attributed to Peter Drucker's Management by Objectives concept, although the acronym itself was not used by Drucker. The first-known use of the term appears to be in a 1981 paper by George T. Doran titled "There's a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management's goals and objectives." The paper was published in the "Management Review" journal and aimed to clarify the principles of objective-setting for managers.
George T. Doran, along with contributions from others in the field of management studies and organisational behaviour, helped formalise and popularise the concept. Since then, the SMART Goals framework has been widely adopted across various disciplines and contexts, from corporate management to education and personal development.
We have explored SMART Goals previously in the following posts: