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 activity is to challenge your knowledge of SMART goals and your ability to recognize the various components of SMART goals in action.

Read the SMART goal descriptions and the associated scenarios. Select the most appropriate category of $$SMART$$ goals for each item. Note that some examples describe effectively executing an aspect of a goal, while others describe ineffective execution.

Specific Attainable Target Dates Measurable Results Oriented

Match each of the options above to the items below.

Goals should challenge us but should also be doable. Bethany tries to motivate her personal training clients by telling them she wants them to increase the weight they are lifting by $500\%!$

No answer

Goals should include a clear time frame for completion. In early September, Lars tells his team they have until December $1$st to devise a new cost reduction plan.

No answer

Goals should be quantifiable in some way. Tiana tells her auto salespeople that she expects them to close at least three new car sales per month.

No answer

Goals should somehow be linked to the organization$$s mission. Quinn$$s company is very customer$-$focused. She wants her customer service staff to decrease the time it takes to resolve a customer complaint by $10\%.$

No answer

Goals should be unambiguous and not vague. Dylan tells his interns that he would like for them complete their data entry work more efficiently.