Achieving project success by setting SMART Goals

S.M.A.R.T. is a handy acronym that can be used when analysing a sentence/problem statement/goal/requirement to ensure that it is not vague  and unachievable. 

In fact, goals are more likely to be achieved if their are properly defined. You can apply this acronym to every goal to make it more likely to happen;

• S. Specific. Ensure that the goal is as clear, concise and specific as possible.

• M. Measurable. Ensure that the goals criteria can tracked and measured.

• A. Achievable. Ensure that it is possible for the goal to be completed.

• R. Realistic. Ensure that the goal aligns to the companys objectives and can be achieved by the company’s resources.

• T. Timely. Ensure that the goal can be completed within the stated timeframe.

Project stakeholders are typically idealists or people who generate many ideas. It can be said that their personality type is typically more Visionary (ENTP on the  Myers Briggs Personality scale) while Project Managers may be more prone to Inspecting or Supervising (ISTJ or ENTJ). Either way, what emerges is that some stakeholders aren’t very good at following through on all of their ideas, while Project Managers can make it happen. Before breaking down tasks via a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) or via Themes, Epics & Tasks, it is worth understanding the purpose of the overall project and what it is trying to achieve.  This is were goal setting comes in.

 

SMART goals bridge the gap between a stakeholders vague idea and the creation of a concrete plan to execute that idea.

 

There are many other reasons why setting SMART goals are important in Project Management, such as;

• SMART goals ensure project goals are specific and set within a given time-frame that allows for measurable benchmarks to be created that can focus the team.
• SMART goals create clear objectives that allow all team members to work towards the same end result.
• SMART goals solidify and confirm stakeholder expectations in a measurable manner.
• SMART goals create realistic expectations that can be easily agreed, communicated and tracked in a weekly Status Report or monthly Project Governance meeting with stakeholders.
• SMART goals can be used to cross reference the project deliverables and determine whether they meet the goal criteria.
• SMART goals can be used to cross reference new Change Requests and determine whether they meet the goal criteria.
• SMART goals can be used as a basis of a Top-Down analysis approach to break down long-term Work Package / Theme deliverables into smaller, achievable tasks in order to meet the goal in the specified time-frame. 
• SMART goals help the Project Manager to create a shared understanding and ‘common language’ with the stakeholders.
• SMART goals allow the Project Manager to speak those shared phrases and common language to the stakeholder, in a way that the stakeholders understand.

My goals are SMARTER than your goals.

The acronym SMART was defined as Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. However there are other variations on the later part of the acronym and you may want to adjust your usage and application of this framework to suit your needs. Here are the other variations;

• A. Attainable. The goal must be achievable with the available resources and within the stated time-frame.
• R. Relevant. The goal should be related to the project.
• T. Time-bound. The goal must have a set deadline in order to become a milestones. This deadline should be achievable while also creating a sense of urgency and motivation to get tasks done.

 

In addition, the SMART acronym can sometimes be extended to become SMARTER, with the following additions. 

• E. Exciting. Ensure that the goal sparks interest and excitement, as its achievable but challenging.

• R. Rewarding. Ensure that everyone’s contribution is rewarded.