How can you adapt SMART goals for different communication styles?

1 Identify communication styles

The first step to adapting SMART goals for different communication styles is to identify your own and your team members' preferences. There are various models and tools to assess communication styles, such as the DISC, MBTI, or VAK. Generally, communication styles can be categorized into four main types: analytical, intuitive, functional, and personal. Each type has its own strengths, weaknesses, and preferences for information, structure, and interaction.

2 Adjust specificity and measurability

The next step is to adjust the specificity and measurability of your SMART goals according to the communication styles of your team members. Analytical and functional communicators tend to prefer clear, precise, and quantifiable goals that are easy to track and evaluate. Intuitive and personal communicators tend to prefer more flexible, creative, and qualitative goals that are aligned with their vision and values. You can adapt the specificity and measurability of your SMART goals by using different types of indicators, metrics, and benchmarks that suit each communication style.

3 Balance achievability and relevance

The third step is to balance the achievability and relevance of your SMART goals according to the communication styles of your team members. Achievable and relevant goals are realistic, attainable, and meaningful for the people who are working on them. However, different communication styles may have different expectations and motivations for achieving and relating to their goals. Analytical and intuitive communicators tend to prefer challenging, innovative, and ambitious goals that push them to excel and learn. Functional and personal communicators tend to prefer practical, supportive, and attainable goals that help them to perform and contribute. You can balance the achievability and relevance of your SMART goals by setting appropriate levels of difficulty, scope, and impact that match each communication style.

4 Set time-bound and feedback mechanisms

The final step is to set time-bound and feedback mechanisms for your SMART goals according to the communication styles of your team members. Time-bound and feedback mechanisms are essential for keeping track of progress, ensuring accountability, and providing recognition and improvement. However, different communication styles may have different preferences and needs for time management, deadlines, and feedback. Analytical and functional communicators tend to prefer structured, consistent, and objective feedback that is based on data and facts. Intuitive and personal communicators tend to prefer flexible, frequent, and subjective feedback that is based on feelings and opinions. You can set time-bound and feedback mechanisms for your SMART goals by using different types of schedules, milestones, and reviews that suit each communication style.

By adapting SMART goals for different communication styles, you can improve your operational planning and enhance your team's performance, engagement, and satisfaction.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?