S.M.A.R.T Goals
SMART goals are a way to not only decide what to do, but how to do it in a way that can easily be tracked to determine whether or not progress is made and know when the goals are met. In this type of goal, the acronym in SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Righteous, and Time-Oriented.
Specific: Goals must be something that can be described and understood easily by others, finite conditions not general feelings.
- Good Example: Attendance at chapter meeting.
- Bad Example: Participation of members
Measurable: Quantifiable! Whenever possible use numbers or percentages to mark achievement of the goal. You can’t rely on personal opinion.
- Good Example: 80% of members attend chapter meetings.
- Bad Example: More members attend….
Attainable: Is the goal realistic? Goals should be a stretch to obtain but not impossible to achieve. Members will work toward what they believe they can achieve and are not inspired by boring, easy goals.
- Good Example: 10% Increase from the prior semester.
- Bad Example: 100% of members attend every meeting.
Righteous: Is the goal the right thing to do? Goals should be aligned with the organization’s Core Values and move it toward the Core Purpose.
- Good Example: Inform potential members of all membership requirements
- Bad Example Trick lots of people into joining, & hope they will stay
Time-Oriented: Goals must have an end date when they are due. Creating a sense of urgency will push members to work harder. How else will you know when to check performance?
- Good Example: January 1st
- Bad Example: Winter
Example of a S.M.A.R.T Goal:
- Good Example: Chapter will collect 100% of dues by September 30th.
- Bad Example: Chapter will get all members to pay dues on time.
- Good Example: Chapter will conduct two service events by January 1st within at least 80% of membership in attendance.
- Bad Example: Chapter will get more members involved in service projects.