Write the goal as a broad statement in one simple sentence.
Free SMART goal-setting tool
Turn a broad goal into a clear SMART target
Define the outcome, numbers, evidence, resources and deadline so that everyone knows what successful completion means.
Build your SMART target
SMART Targets Worksheet
Answer each question in order. Your draft is saved privately in this browser as you type.
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Load a worked example
Choose a complete example, then edit it to fit your situation.
Add quantities, dates, percentages, frequency, rate or another useful measure.
Define any term that different people could interpret differently.
Name the evidence, review method, communication channel and review frequency.
Identify skills, knowledge, experience or information that must be developed.
Consider money, people, time, technology, authority and materials.
State the date or time by which the task must be complete.
Test the deadline against the workload, dependencies, resources and risks.
Why specificity matters
A goal should guide action and evaluation
“Improve service” and “increase sales” express useful intentions, but they do not tell a person exactly what to do or provide a fair basis for judging the result. A workable target describes the outcome in language that the responsible person and the reviewer can interpret consistently.
Numbers make progress visible, but measurement alone is not enough. Define the scope, decide which evidence will count, confirm that the required skills and resources exist, and set a deadline that survives a realistic workload check.
This expanded SMART method is particularly useful for delegation. The discussion exposes missing authority, knowledge or resources before they become reasons for failure.
Writing better targets
Check the complete chain
Define the result
State what will be different when the goal is complete and define every word that could create disagreement.
Choose evidence
Agree the numbers, observations or deliverables that will show progress and completion.
Test feasibility
Match the deadline with the available time, authority, skills, people, budget and dependencies.
Using the completed worksheet
Turn agreement into the first action
Read the finished target as if you were a person receiving it for the first time. If the reader could complete the wrong task while still following the words, improve the definition. If progress could not be demonstrated, improve the feedback measure.
For a delegated goal, confirm the delegate accepts the target and has the authority to obtain the named resources. Record the first action and first review date rather than waiting until the final deadline to discover a problem.
Common questions
SMART target worksheet FAQs
The worksheet covers a specific outcome, numerical measures, clear definitions, feedback, required abilities and resources, a time deadline, and a final realism check. Together these questions test whether the target is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.
Yes. A delegated task is a goal given to another person. Complete the worksheet together so the outcome, authority, resources, measures and deadline are understood before work begins.
Only when you select one. The example fills every field and becomes an editable draft stored in your current browser. Replace its facts with your own before relying on it.
Your latest draft is stored only in this browser on this device. It is not sent to Corporate Coach Group or synchronised to another device.
Yes. The printout includes every question and your current answer, including blank areas that can be completed by hand.