A SMART Goal is a convenient acronym for the set of criteria that a goal MUST include in order for it to be realized by the goal achiever. There are numerous variations on the SMART acronym, however, the one we will follow is:

Specific

Goals must be something that can be described and understood easily by others – finite conditions, not general feelings.

Bad example: Increase participation of members.

Good example: Increase attendance at chapter meetings.

Measurable

Whenever possible, use numbers or percentages to mark achievement of the goal. You can’t rely on personal opinion.

Bad example: More members will attend…

Good example: 80 percent of members will attend chapter meetings.

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.

Bad example: 100 percent of members will attend every meeting.

Good example: Increase attendance at chapter meetings by 10 percent from the prior semester.

Relevant

Your goals must accurately address the root issue you are facing. Remember, “An accurate description of the problem, is 90 percent of the solution.”

Bad example: Have alcohol at recruitment events so chapter members will attend and have better conversations

Good example: Teach chapter members tangible recruitment skills and eliminate alcohol from recruitment.

Timely

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?

Bad example: Winter

Good example: January 1, 2016

Examples

Non-SMART Goal: We need to improve recruitment.

SMART Goal: By December 15, 2015, the chapter will have recruited 20 new members who meet or exceed our minimum membership standards.

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A guide on how to develop goals and action plans. This can be applied to any subject.