Setting great goals for 2014 - Best Practice

Well it’s that time of year and many of us are setting our ambitions and goals for 2014 for business and personally. If we start with good goals and objectives we up our chances of achieving them or even exceeding them by 20%. So what do great goals look like?

Goals and Objectives should reflect important changes or new outcomes desired not the routine.

Set a small amount of SMART2 Goals & Objectives, for you, your team or your team members.

Improving what you do today should be expected, so your improvement targets for day to day performance should be set in KPI’s as the performance standard.

State and record the reward and positive consequences of achieving the goals and targets, for the business, for you, for your team and team members. Understand the consequences of over and under achieving the ambitions.

Commit to regular review, discussion and reporting of your performance

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SMART2 [/b]is an enhancement of the term SMART when applied to a goal or objective, in a SMART objective each letter has one meaning to guide in the definition of good/effective objective or goal statements. However it has been found that by enhancing it to where each letter has two guiding principles that stronger goals and objectives can be defined and written.

·

Unambiguous focus on purpose

S[/b]

o Specific [/i][/b](Clear, Definitive &,Precise)[/i]

o Short [/i][/b](Brief & Concise)[/i]

·

Relevant indicator of progress

M[/b]

o Measurable [/i][/b](Can be measured, a metric/target applied) [/b][/i]

o Meaningful [/i][/b](Symbolic, significant, relating to target value)[/i]

·

Owner confidence in successful outcome

A[/b]

o Attainable [/i][/b](Can be achieved, realistic)[/i]

o Assigned [/i][/b](Owned, identified as responsible) [/b][/i]

·

Visible output with impact where intended

R[/b]

o Relevant [/i][/b](Related, pertinent, connected)[/i]

o Results based [/i][/b](Outcomes & Deliverables are clear)[/i]

·

Contributes to top goals in timeline

T[/b]

o Time Bound [/i][/b](time associated with achievement)[/i]

o Traceable [/i][/b](connected, tracking, association record) [/b][/i]

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[Simran Rai]

This guide provides a powerful reminder of how important it is to set goals that are not just hopeful wishes, but clearly defined, actionable steps toward real outcomes. The enhanced SMART2 framework is particularly useful because it deepens the meaning behind each letter, encouraging a more thoughtful and comprehensive approach to goal-setting. By focusing on being Specific and Short, Measurable and Meaningful, Attainable and Assigned, Relevant and Results-Based, and Time-Bound and Traceable, individuals and teams can develop goals that are not only practical but also inspiring. It also wisely advises that goals should not focus on routine improvements (which belong in KPIs), but rather on transformational outcomes. Regularly reviewing and reflecting on progress, while understanding the consequences and rewards tied to performance, helps create accountability and motivation. Whether personal or professional, these principles can help make 2014 a year of purpose-driven achievement.​