So far we have discussed what Smart goals are in general and what the “S” stands for. Today we will talk about the next letter, “M.” As you may or may not remember, the “M” stands for MEASURABLE. It is very important that your goal is measurable, and remember that it needs to be specific as the “S” carries through the entire process.
So what is measurable; what does that even mean? Well the dictionary defines measurable as something that can be measured. Well, that seems pretty obvious, so to measure something is defined as “the extent, dimensions, quantity, etc., of something, ascertained especially by comparison with a standard: to take the measure of a thing.” So measuring something will allow you to compare the progress of something against whatever the standard is.
Whenever you are making your goal measurable you need to use a clear and concise “measuring stick.” You don’t literally need to use a ruler or meter stick, the point is that what is to be measured needs to be concise. For example, say you want to raise the percentage of sales in your store. Don’t just say, “I want to raise sales.” That is not clear and you won’t know when you’ve reached your goal. Instead say something like, “I want to increase sales by 18%” This is a clear goal and is measurable. One can look at this aspect of the goal and know how much sales will be raised and can work to attain that goal. As I’ve stated a few times already, the measurement needs to be the criteria used to know what success looks like and when you’ve gotten there. How will you know when you’ve reached your goal? With the original, “I want to raise sales” you would never know what is too much or too little and you’ll never know when you have reached your goal because that goal isn’t measurable. According to Nikitina, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it” and I think that is so accurate. How will you overlook something that is not clear and concise? It will only cause frustration and confusion in the workplace, something that will be discussed in a later post.
Another aspect of having measurable goals is that you can usually build in short term successes that will help you stay on track and will also keep up your stamina. It’s important that the goal is not forsaken, so working in little wins will help you and your people “stick with it.”
So what have we learned? Measurable goals need to have criteria so you know what to do and when to know you’ve reached the goal. The goal needs to be specific, even in this stage so that others will be clear on what the goal is and how to measure it.
Until next time!
I like your analogy about keeping stamina - kinda like running a race! Great post, Hannah!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shelby!
ReplyDelete