How do you handle feedback or changes to your SMART goals?

1 Why feedback matters

Feedback is essential for learning, improving, and achieving your SMART goals. It can help you identify gaps, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth. It can also help you align your goals with the expectations and priorities of your stakeholders. However, feedback can also be challenging, confusing, or conflicting. You might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or discouraged by the feedback you receive. You might also wonder how to incorporate it into your SMART goals without compromising your vision, values, or deadlines.

2 How to evaluate feedback

Carefully evaluating feedback or changes to your SMART goals is the first step to handling them. Not all feedback is equal in terms of validity, usefulness, or relevance, so it's important to consider who is giving it, the intention behind it, and its impact on your goals. Ask yourself if the source is qualified, credible, and trustworthy; what the purpose of the feedback is; how it relates to your SMART goals; and what effect it has on them. This will help you determine if the feedback should be taken into account when making decisions about your goals.

3 How to respond to feedback

The next step to handle feedback or changes to your SMART goals is to respond to them appropriately. Depending on the type and quality of the feedback, you might need to thank, acknowledge, clarify, question, or reject it. To do so effectively, it is important to show appreciation for the feedback giver's time and effort. Acknowledge their perspective and concerns, and clarify any points that are unclear, vague, or ambiguous. Additionally, question any feedback that is inconsistent, inaccurate, or irrelevant. Lastly, reject any feedback that is disrespectful, abusive, or harmful in order to stand up for your rights, values, and boundaries.

4 How to adapt your SMART goals

The final step to handle feedback or changes to your SMART goals is to adapt them accordingly. Depending on the feedback, you might need to modify, revise, or restate your SMART goals. For instance, minor adjustments or improvements can be made by changing the wording, metrics, or timeline of your SMART goals. If the feedback implies major changes or challenges, you might need to alter the scope, strategy, or outcome of your SMART goals. Additionally, if the feedback confirms or reinforces your original objectives, you can reiterate the importance, benefits, or feasibility of your SMART goals.