D2.G-J

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Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals

A SMART Goal is a convenient acronym for the set of criteria

that a goal MUST include in order for it to be realized by the goal achiever.

There are numerous variations on the SMART acronym, however, the one we will

follow is:

Specific

Goals must be something that can be described and understood

easily by others – finite conditions, not general feelings.

Bad example: Increase participation of members.

Good example: Increase attendance at chapter meetings.

Measurable

Whenever possible, use numbers or percentages to mark achievement

of the goal. You can’t rely on personal opinion.

Bad example: More members will attend…

Good example: 80 percent of members will attend chapter

meetings.

Attainable

Is the goal realistic? Goals should be a stretch to obtain

but not impossible to achieve. Members will work toward what they believe they

can achieve and are not inspired by boring, easy goals.

Bad example: 100 percent of members will attend every

meeting.

Good example: Increase attendance at chapter meetings by 10

percent from the prior semester.

Relevant

Your goals must accurately address the root issue you are

facing. Remember, “An accurate description of the problem, is 90 percent of the

solution.”

Bad example: Have alcohol at recruitment events so chapter

members will attend and have better conversations

Good example: Teach chapter members tangible recruitment

skills and eliminate alcohol from recruitment.

Timely

Goals must have an end date when they are due. Creating a

sense of urgency will push members to work harder. How else will you know when

to check performance?

Bad example: Winter

Good example: January 1, 2016

Examples

Non-SMART Goal:

We need to improve recruitment.

SMART Goal: By

December 15, 2015, the chapter will have recruited 20 new members who meet or

exceed our minimum membership standards.

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Action Plans

ACTION PLANS

Every SMART goal must be complemented by a detailed action

plan. A good action plan provides the framework for achieving the SMART goal.

The action plan helps map out the necessary tasks with a detailed schedule of

key milestones and a list of key people for those milestones.

Overview

Great action plans:

Determine what you will need to

hit the goal.

Provide a timetable for

activities.

Identify people with whom you

will need to coordinate and will rely on to contribute.

Anticipate problems and outline

contingency plans.

Implementation

1. Clarify your goal. Ensure it is specific, measureable,

attainable, relevant and timely.

2. Build a list of tasks. Write down all action steps that

you may need to achieve the goal.

3. Organize your list into a plan.

Decide on the order of action

steps.

Rearrange your actions and ideas

into a sequential order.

Review this list and see if

there are any ways to simplify it further.

Follow Up

1. Monitor the execution of your plan.

Constantly evaluate the progress

of your plan.

Manage the key people and be

mindful of deadlines.

Adjust and optimize your plan if

necessary.

2. Measure your success. Has your action plan achieved the

outcomes of your SMART goal?