Effective goals have to be “SMART” goals, which means that they must be specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and contain a target date. This activity is important because goals are a critical part of planning and achieving strategic objectives. The goal of this exercise is to challenge your knowledge of SMART goals and your ability to recognize the various components of SMART goals in action.

Hover over each label to read either a definition or an example of the components of SMART goals in action. Some examples describe effectively executing an aspect of a goal, while others describe ineffective execution. 

 

Challenge - Goals should challenge us, but also should be doable

Frame - Goals should include a clear time frame for completion

Unambiguous - Goals should be unambiguous and not vague

Quantify - Goals should be quantifiable in some way

Mission - Goals should somehow be linked to the organizations mission

Bethany - Bethany tries to motivate her personal training clients by telling them she wants them to increase the weight they are lifting by 500 percent!

Lars - In early September, Lars tells his team they have until December 1st to devise a new cost reduction plan

Tiana - Tiana tells her auto salespeople that she expects them to close atleast three new car sales per month

Quinn - Quinn's company is very customer-focused. She wants her customer service staff to decrease the time it takes to resolve a customer complaint by 10 percent.

Dylan - Dylan tells his interns that he would like for them to complete their data entry work more efficiently.

Challenge Frame Unambiguous Specific Measurable Attainable Results-Oriented Target Dates Quantify Mission Bethany Lars Tiana Quinn Reset Dylan