As you reading this specific article, there is a high probability You have came across the name ’SmartProject,’ The most dynamically adaptable project management system so far.
We chose the name SmartProject not only to indicate how clever the Project management software is but to reminisce its users of the key project planning step: Creating SMART-goals
What is a SMART-goal?
The acronym SMART stands for:
- S- Specific
- M- Measurable
- A-Achievable
- R- Relevant
- T-Time-bound
By using each component of SMART-framework you ease the way to a precise, pre-planned, well-calculated, transparent, trackable goal which is going to be clear for all of their participants.
Let us begin with the first one:
S for Specific:
In order to efficiently measure a goal, We need to be as detailed about their nature as it is possible at planning phase. If you fell stucked, you can always ask helping questions for yourself like:
What are the key objectives/ tasks (sub-goals) we need to complete to ensure its succes.
Who are the participants who strive to achieve these goals?
What are the responsibilities of the participants?
Whose final repsonsibility is it going to be?
etc.
At first glance, maybe it seems an easy process but as you dig down deeper in the task you will be able to see the depth of this fundamental step.
In order to efficiently measure a goal, We need to be as detailed about their nature as it is possible at planning phase. If you feel stucked, you can always ask helping questions for yourself like:
What are the key objectives/ tasks (sub-goals) we need to complete in order to ensure our succes.
Who are the participants who strive to achieve these goals?
What are the responsibilities of the participants?
Whose final repsonsibility is it going to be?
etc.
At first glance, maybe it seems an easy process but as you dig down deeper in the task you will be able to see the depth of this fundamental step.
The second element:
M-Measurable
By giving measurable goals You ease the tracking process which always give you an image about your progression. Nonetheless, it is going to notivate every participants with its very nature.
Some questions You might ask for Yourself:
How much/many should I achieve to fulfill my goal?
Will I be able to know it is already done? If yes, how?
Can I get an exact number to measure my success? If not, how can I make it measurable?
etc.
By giving Yourself the treat of making the goal measurable, you not only ease the process but stay motivated towards them, moreover You more easily stay focused. Another key element is:
A-Achievable
Some people think creating something attainable means having the easy way and underachieving compared to our potential. It is a common mistake. Achievable does not mean EASILY-Achievable. You need to push Yourself to your boundaries in order to push yourself in the way of growth.
Some questions to ensure yourself if they are achievable:
Is it realistic enough?
Do We have the needed resources available to reach them?
How can I manage to accomplish them?
Am I pushing myself to the limit or would I be able to achieve more?
We arrived to our 4th key element:
R-Relevant
Being measurable and being achievable has something of a more easily understandable concept. Relevancy is something that maybe You would slip through if You would not have the experience and/or knowledge about project-planning. This component helps You to create only goals which really matter. Whis are allign with other vital goals. Do you really need to focus on it or it is enough to care about it later when you will have had a key requirement completed.
If you have a relevant goal, the answer is „Yes” to ALL of these questions:
Is it the right time and right place for these goals?
Is this goal alligns with my other objectives?
Does it seem worthwhile?
Last but not least our final element:
T- Time-bound
Deadlines are the invisible oil between the cogs which makes the machine work. If you have clear target dates you will be able to prioritize, focus not only when to finish a job, but which is more relevant by that time. Guiding questions toward time-bound:
When should I finish?
When should I start?
Will I finish if I start it now?
Can I do something today?
Should I do something today?
Now that You learned the basics of creating S.M.A.R.T. goals You will be able to use SmartProject or any of your project management tools to create, track, achieve and review your own Projects in a more transparrent way.
Try out our 14-days demo and create your own S.M.A.R.T. goals and by the time you finished, You will not understand how could you live without these fundamental steps. It fastens, eases and supports your progress in any case.