SMART goals examples at work

Goals drive our ambitions, shape our futures, and propel us forward. Yet, without a clear framework, even the most well-intentioned goals can become elusive and unattainable.

This is why everyone on your team should know how to set SMART goals. SMART goals provide a structured approach to goal-setting that transforms vague ideas into concrete plans. In fact, data shows that 43% of people who set goals are more likely to achieve them.

But why do SMART goals work when other methods fail?

In this article, we’ll explore the power of SMART goals and show you how to craft them effectively and use them to drive real change.

What are SMART goals?

SMART is an acronym that’s designed to teach people how to set and accomplish goals in the most efficient manner. In particular, the acronym stands for:

• Specific. A SMART goal is clear-cut and focused. It answers the five W questions: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. For example, instead of saying “I want to improve my skills,” a specific goal would be “I will complete an advanced Excel course to enhance my data analysis capabilities for my current role in finance.”

• Measurable. This aspect ensures that you can track progress and know when you've reached your goal. For this, you might want to keep the goal metrics quantifiable. For instance, “I will increase my typing speed from 50 to 75 words per minute within three months.”

• Achievable. While goals should be challenging, they must also be realistic given your current circumstances and resources. An achievable goal stretches your abilities without setting you up for failure. For example, “I will save $5,000 for a down payment on a house by reducing my monthly expenses by $300 and taking on two freelance projects.”

• Relevant. Your goals need to be in line with the broader objectives of the organization and be relevant to your long-term plans. It should matter to you and fit with other goals. A relevant goal might be “I will network with 20 industry professionals this quarter to expand my career opportunities in marketing.”

• Time-bound. Every SMART goal has a clear deadline. This creates a sense of urgency and helps prevent distractions, making procrastination less “appealing.” For example, “I will launch my e-commerce website by June 30 by dedicating 10 hours per week to its development.”

Why SMART goals work

SMART goals are effective because they provide a clear framework that forces you and your team to think critically about what you want and how you'll achieve it. They transform abstract ideas into tangible targets, replacing vague intentions with specific deadlines and measurable steps.

This structured approach helps maintain focus, track progress, and make adjustments as needed, increasing the chances of achieving your objectives.

How to write SMART goals

Setting SMART goals lets you understand how achievable and distinct your goals are. Research shows that people who write down their goals, make plans, and share accountability reports with other people succeed nearly 75% of the time.

To improve your team’s efficiency with SMART, try to follow this guide and implement the steps properly.

Step 1: Define what the goal really is.

Your goal should be bare-bones and straight-to-the-point. Ask yourself:

• What am I aiming for?

• Why am I doing this in the first place?

• Who is involved?

• Where is it located?

• Which resources or limitations are involved?

Apply SMART “Specific” criteria: Instead of saying, “I want to improve sales,” a more specific goal would be, “I will increase sales by 15% over the next quarter by launching a new marketing campaign and holding weekly sales team meetings.”

Step 2: Ensure that you can measure progress.

Setting concrete criteria to track the progress of meeting your goals helps you and your team stay on track and motivated at work. Ask yourself:

• How much?

• How many?

• How will I know when it’s accomplished?

Apply SMART “Measurable” criteria: “I will increase my monthly sales by $20,000 by targeting high-value clients and using upselling techniques.”

Step 3: Keep your goal realistic

A goal should be realistic and attainable—otherwise, it’s merely a case of appeasing your ego and saying.

Achievable goals help maintain motivation by allowing you to see progress through manageable steps. This approach increases the likelihood of success, increases productivity, and helps you build confidence as you reach each milestone. Ask yourself:

• Do we have the necessary skills and resources? If not, what can we do as a company to acquire them?

• Is this goal realistic given the constraints?

Apply SMART “Achievable” criteria: Instead of just saying, “I want to boost sales,” set an intermediate goal: “We will increase our monthly sales by 5% over the next three months by focusing on high-potential leads, implementing a new sales strategy, and conducting immediate follow-ups.”

Step 4: Make your goal relevant.

Ensuring relevance keeps you focused on what truly matters and helps maintain your motivation by clearly linking your efforts to your larger aspirations. Your goal should be in line with other relevant goals and broader objectives. This ensures the goal matters to you and is worthwhile. Ask yourself:

• Does this goal seem worthwhile?

• Is this the approprtiate time?

• Does it match our other efforts/needs?

Apply SMART “Relevant“ criteria: If you aim to boost your sales performance, a relevant goal might be to coach employees on advanced sales techniques that are highly effective in your industry.

Step 5: Make your goal time-bound.

A time-bound goal has a clear deadline, which in turn brings about a sense of urgency. This means setting a specific timeframe for achieving your goal, such as days, weeks, or months will help you prioritze your tasks better. Define a clear timeframe and then break down the goal into smaller tasks with their own deadlines.

Having a deadline helps you maintain your focus and motivation, as it provides you a clear endpoint to work towards. Ask yourself:

• When will you accomplish this goal?

• What can you do today, next week, and next month to move closer to your goal?

Applying SMART “Time-based” criteria: “I will increase sales by $20,000 by December 31 by making 50 additional sales calls every week.”

4 examples of SMART goals

Before setting your own goals, get acquainted with a few real-life examples. Here are some general SMART goal examples to inspire you.

1. Market share

SMART goal: Increase market share.

• Specific: I will increase the company’s market share by 5% in the next year by expanding our product line and enhancing our marketing efforts.

• Measurable: Market share will be measured using quarterly sales reports and market analysis tools.

• Achievable: Based on current market trends and the success of our recent product launches, this goal is realistic.

• Relevant: Increasing market share is crucial for maintaining our competitive edge and driving revenue growth.

• Time-bound: In two years, we will have increased our market share and achieve a stable year-over-year (YOY) growth.

SMART goal statement: “I will increase our company’s market share by 5% by the end of the next fiscal year by expanding our product line and enhancing our marketing efforts, as measured by quarterly sales reports and market analysis tools.”

2. Employee engagement

SMART goal: Improve employee engagement.

• Specific: I will improve employee engagement by implementing a new internal communication platform and launching monthly team-building activities.

• Measurable: Employee engagement will be measured using biannual surveys and tracking participation rates in team-building activities.

• Achievable: With the budget allocated for employee engagement initiatives, this goal is attainable.

• Relevant: Enhancing employee engagement is vital for boosting productivity and reducing turnover rates.

• Time-bound: This goal will be achieved within six months.

SMART goal statement: “I will improve employee engagement by 15% within six months by implementing a new internal communication platform and launching monthly team-building activities, measured by biannual surveys and participation rates.”

3. Sales

SMART goal: Increase monthly sales.

• Specific: “I will increase our monthly sales revenue.”

• Measurable: “I will aim to boost sales by 20%.”

• Achievable: “I will implement a new marketing campaign and offer a limited-time discount to attract new customers.”

• Relevant: “Increasing sales revenue is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the business.”

• Time-bound: “I will achieve this goal within the next quarter.”

SMART goal statement: “I will increase our monthly sales revenue by 20% within the next quarter by implementing a new marketing campaign and offering a limited-time discount to attract new customers.”

4. Leadership

SMART goal: Become a better and more supportive leader.

• Specific: “I will develop leadership skills by completing an executive leadership program and mentoring three emerging leaders within the company.”

• Measurable: “Progress will be measured by the completion of the program and feedback from mentees.”

• Achievable: “With the support of the company and time allocated for professional development, this goal is attainable.”

• Relevant: “Developing leadership skills is crucial for succession planning and ensuring the long-term success of the company.”

• Time-bound: “I want to see measurable improvements and receive better feedback within 12 months.”

SMART goal statement: “I will develop my leadership skills by completing an executive leadership program and mentoring three emerging leaders within the next 12 months, measured by the completion of the program and feedback from mentees.”

Wrapping up

Remember, the power of SMART goals lies not just in their structure, but in the clarity and focus they bring to your efforts. They force you to confront the reality of your aspirations, pushing you to think critically about what you truly want and how you'll get there.

But SMART goals aren't a magic bullet. They require commitment, regular review, and the willingness to course-correct when necessary.

Now, armed with the knowledge of SMART goals, you're ready to turn your ambitions into achievements. The only question left is: What goal will you make SMART today?