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Achievable:
Having achievable goals is not only important for the
success of the project, it is also essential for the morale of the team.
Nobody wants to be on a team that cannot be successful because
the goals are not achievable. “Stretch goals” are objectives that may
be just out of reach. However, with teamwork and resolve, the goal
might be achievable. It is healthy for a team to have some stretch
goals, but not all goals should be stretch goals.
Realistic:
Similar to being achievable, goals should be realistic. If
management is not supportive of an idea or there is not money in the
budget to fund it, there is no reason to include that as a goal. It is not
realistic. Having unrealistic goals frustrates team members who just feel
they are spinning their wheels. Unrealistic expectations also lead to
frustration.
Time-bound:
Smart goals are written in a way that includes a
deadline. Examples of time-bound goals include revising the
department manual by the end of the month or selling $1,000 worth of
furniture next week. Placing a deadline on a goal or a due date on a
project focuses attention on that item as the deadline draws closer.
Resources can be allocated to ensure that the goal is met.
Establishing a singular mission and creating smart goals help teams
operate effectively and efficiently. Even an “ad-hoc” team, which is a
temporary team typically established to achieve a specific task in a
short amount of time, deserves to have a stated mission and goals. It is
also a good idea to solicit input from the team regarding the mission
and goals. Inclusive goal-setting builds camaraderie and buy-in to the
project.
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