Get SMART(er) About Goal Setting
So many times, projects start without the right processes or people in place to make them successful. Those projects are painful to work on and often, after much effort, fail in the end.
We've all worked on a project like that. I bet if you really took the time to reflect on what went wrong, you could trace it to a total lack of understanding of what the goal or objective for the project actually was. Or, you set goals and objectives that weren't clear, concise, or consistently top of mind for the project's duration.
It's time to get SMART(er) about goal setting. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Based. It's tried and true method that produces excellent results, especially if tied to a company or personal KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
Let's walk through it.
Specific- Here's where you consider every aspect of what you're trying to accomplish. Who will be on your project team, and for what purpose? Will you need to create room in their already busy day for this project, need to hire a skillset, or bring in outside support? What obstacles do you have to overcome? How will you do so? What do you need to be successful (money, time, energy, internal or external support)? Name it. Why are you doing this? What's in it for the participants? You will also touch on metrics and timelines to see if the project is viable.
Measurable- This is hard because you have to think about metrics. Which metrics do you have available, and which will you need to invest in to analyze results? Breaking metrics into milestones helps make the project seem less daunting, especially if the timeline is long and will require sustained attention.
Attainable- How will you accomplish this goal? Do you have the tools or skills necessary to bring the project to fruition? What steps will you take to attain or secure those skills and tools?
Relevant- Take a look at your overall business objectives and be sure this project aligns with your bigger picture goals. If not, why are you doing it? Is it a quick fix to a more significant problem? Will it solve or resolve an issue that's hindering sales? Does it provide the necessary elements within your organization to work more efficiently? You MUST tie it back to an objective or justify it to gain alignment. Otherwise, when the project fails, this will be its undoing.
Time-Bound- Set a target end date and sprinkle in milestones that marry up to metrics. Without a realistic end date, you will never complete the project or be successful. Projects that float around without end won't be taken seriously; they will always be the last priority because there is always something more important to be done. Dates create urgency, urgency pushes projects forward.
Be sure to create a spreadsheet or document that is easily accessible to project members and management. Schedule update meetings for members to walk through progress, call out obstacles, and be open to rethinking parts of the project throughout.
It might be easier to bring in an external project manager to help keep things moving. This eliminates personal bias or feelings that can get in the way of getting things done.
As always, if you’re not sure how to get started, that’s why we’re here. We can help with everything from ideation to execution.