How to set SMART objectives for top performance

Setting Job Related SMART Objectives

As part of our performance management training we encourage delegates to think about their Company’s overall objectives and how they may be cascaded down to departments and individuals. The workshop goes through how best to set objectives to ensure clear communication and understanding of expectations. One approach is to use SMART to help with this process. This acronym is well known in management and is thought to work very well. SMART objectives are ideal for agreeing objectives and targets at an appraisal meeting.

A well written job objective should be SMART. That is:

S is for “Specific”

Being as specific as possible will leave little room for misunderstand. For example, a goal for a department manager might be increase sales of add-on products by 20% over the next six months compared to the last six months.

M is for “Measurable”

If you can’t measure the objective then how will you know it has been achieved! As with the above example the measure is 20% increase.

A is for “Achievable and/or Agreed”

Are you setting a realistic objective? Ensure the employee has the skills, knowledge, experience and tools to attain the objective. Do allow for any personal constraints such as maternity leave or a scheduled operation. We would also recommend that objectives are agreed to ensure buy-in.

R is for “Realistic”

An objective that is completely off the mark and unachievable will be de-motivating and is unlikely to be met. Unlike ‘achievable’ the focus here is on your own resources. For example do you have the finance, equipment and time to support the employee to enable them to achieve the objective?

T is for “Time-bound” (if appropriate)

When an objective is time-bound everyone concerned will know the timescales for completion. It is also good practice to allow for intermittent meetings to pick up on any potential problems before it is too late.

Objectives should also be:

• Linked to the departmental and organisational objectives
• Challenging but realistic
• Prioritised

 

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