Eight Part Smart Targets

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Eight Part SMART Targets

You are probably aware of the five part SMART goals setting model, which states you should ensure your goals are:

1. Specific.
2. Measurable.
3. Achievable.
4. Realistic.
5. Time bound.

Most people reduce SMART goals to a theory that they don't apply in practice.

In this form, the SMART model is too abstract to be of any practical use. To make it practical, you need to make a few additions to it.

Develop it into a series of eight questions and change its name to 8 Part SMART.

This diagram shows how the 8 Part SMART works:

The SMART Goals model suggests 8 SMART questions.

Ask these 8 questions of yourself and others. They are all derived from the SMART method.

1. In general terms, what is the goal you want to achieve?
2. How would you specify that goal numerically?
3. How would you specify and define all your key terms?
4. What feedback measures would you need to track?
5. What additional abilities; skills, knowledge and experience, do you need to gain?
6. What resources; money, technology and people, do you need?
7. What is the time deadline?
8. And is that deadline reasonable or not?

SMART targets give you clarity

The first and most important ability for you to master is "Clarity of purpose".

You need to decide exactly what you want; and you need to discover exactly what the other person wants.

Only then can you create a mutually beneficial relationship - do business - with each other.

Purpose statement

A purpose statement is a written document that identifies the goals and the plans that will deliver them. The SMART goal identifies the "target to be hit".

You can use the 8 SMART questions in three different ways:

1. To set your own goals, for a better future.
2. To help others to set their goals.
3. To set, communicate and plan for team goals.

Ultimately, the 8 Part SMART model looks like this:

Goal Setting Training

Our Goal Setting, Communication and Conflict Training Course is ideal for those people wishing to improve their performance and achieve their goals.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Goal Setting

• Six Ways to Make 2021 Your Best Year Ever
  Don't wait for 2021 to get better, be the contributory factor and improve your chances of happiness and success. Here are six ways to make 2021 your best year ever.
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• 12 Steps to Make 2020 Your Best Year Ever
  Do you want to make 2020 your best year ever? Many people make New Year's resolutions that they don't have any hope in achieving. If you are thinking of making some goals for next year, take a look at these 12 steps which will help you to succeed.
  Read Article >
• How to Create Smart Goals
  Use our free tool to create SMART goals. By expanding the SMART goal model to become eight SMART questions/answers, you will have the necessary information to write detailed practical plans and turn your goals into reality.
  Read Article >
• When to Use the P.D.C.A. Model
  Do you use the PDCA continuous improvement model? PDCA helps you achieve your goals in a logical, systematic way. This blog explains when and how to use the PDCA model to its best advantage.
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• Eight Part SMART Targets
  You are probably aware of the 5-part SMART module, but we believe that to make it practical, it needs to be an 8-part SMART Model. Use it to set your own goals for a better future, as well as setting, communicating and planning team goals.
  Read Article >

Looking for Leadership and Management Training?

If you're looking to develop your Goal Setting Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:

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