SMART Goals

The acronym SMART is often suggested as a memory-jogger to remind one of the attributes of useful goals. However, a quick search will show that there are quite a few different versions of the SMART memory-jogger. Using the following definition of SMART goals: S - specific, M - measurable, A - achievable, R - relevant, T - time-bound

- Describe an important goal from your work or social environment. Why is the goal important? Is it helpful to the organization or group?

- Does it or does it not have each of the SMART attributes? Explain.

- The acronym recommends that goals should be measurable, yet Albert Einstein is reputed to have said that "Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts." What does Einstein's statement mean? Does Einstein contradict the argument that all goals should be measurable? Do you agree or disagree with Einstein? Explain.