How do you create a SMART plan for your team or project?

1 Step 1: Define your specific goal

The first step of creating a SMART plan is to define your specific goal. A specific goal answers the questions of what, why, who, where, and how. For example, instead of saying "I want to improve customer satisfaction", you can say "I want to increase the average rating of our customer service by 10% by training our staff on how to handle complaints and feedback effectively". A specific goal helps you focus on the desired outcome and avoid ambiguity and confusion.

2 Step 2: Establish your measurable indicators

The second step of creating a SMART plan is to establish your measurable indicators. A measurable indicator is a way of quantifying or evaluating your goal. It helps you track your progress and determine if you have achieved your goal or not. For example, for the goal of increasing customer service rating, you can use indicators such as the number of complaints, the number of positive reviews, the response time, and the satisfaction score. A measurable indicator helps you set clear criteria and standards for your goal.

3 Step 3: Assess your achievable resources

The third step of creating a SMART plan is to assess your achievable resources. An achievable resource is a factor that enables or limits your ability to reach your goal. It can be internal or external, such as time, budget, skills, equipment, support, or competition. For example, for the goal of increasing customer service rating, you can assess how much time and money you can allocate for the training, what skills and tools your staff need, what support you can get from your management, and what challenges you might face from your competitors. An achievable resource helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your plan accordingly.

4 Step 4: Review your relevant alignment

The fourth step of creating a SMART plan is to review your relevant alignment. A relevant alignment is a way of ensuring that your goal is aligned with your vision, mission, values, and objectives. It helps you answer the question of why your goal is important and how it contributes to your overall success. For example, for the goal of increasing customer service rating, you can review how it aligns with your vision of providing excellent service, your mission of satisfying your customers, your values of respect and professionalism, and your objectives of increasing loyalty and retention. A relevant alignment helps you create a meaningful and motivating goal.

5 Step 5: Set your time-bound deadline

The fifth and final step of creating a SMART plan is to set your time-bound deadline. A time-bound deadline is a way of specifying when you want to achieve your goal. It helps you create a sense of urgency and accountability and avoid procrastination and delays. For example, for the goal of increasing customer service rating, you can set a deadline of six months, with monthly milestones and checkpoints. A time-bound deadline helps you plan your actions and monitor your results.

6 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?