SMART Criteria for Well-Written Goal Statements

"SMART" Criteria for Well-Written Goal Statements

If you really want to make the team concept succeed, you must help the team take the steps needed to establish well-written goal statements. You must help establish "SMART" goals in advance to guide the actions the team needs to take to fulfill its charter. Research verifies that goals are motivating when they are written in a manner that fulfills five specific criteria. The acronym "SMART" helps us remember what those criteria are:

• S = Specific. The goal is described in a detailed manner that is clear and unambiguous.

• M = Measurable. The goal is quantified or easily documented as to whether it was achieved.

• A = Attainable. The goal is perceived to be challenging but within reach of the team.

• R = Relevant. The goal is perceived to be within the purview of the work of the team.

• T = Time bound. The timeline for accomplishing the goal is established.

Team goals should obviously include statements clarifying what outcomes are expected. But in addition to production and service quotas, expectations regarding quality, safety, cost, morale , and housekeeping standards should be established. Additional standards to include on a team's scorecard are reviewed in chapter 10. Meanwhile, let's examine some poorly written goal statements and contrast them with well-written, "SMART" statements.

Poor statement: The team is expected to produce parts that are of first-class quality.

SMART statement: The team is to produce parts that fit into the cylinders in the module provided by our customers. The diameter of the base must be within .001mm of the dimensions shown in the blueprint accompanying each order. Every tenth part produced must be measured by an operator on this team, and 99 percent of all parts measured must satisfy this criterion every hour within every production run.

Poor statement: The team is expected to conduct efficient and satisfying meetings.

SMART statement: The team will hold weekly meetings using our agreed-upon five-item agenda. The meeting will begin on time and end after no more than fifty minutes. A team meeting satisfaction survey will be administered during the last five minutes of each meeting. The scores on this survey must average 4.0 or higher out of 5 each month. If the average goes below this number, a team facilitator will be assigned to attend the next meeting and help the team identify strategies and tactics to achieve the 4.0 average rating.

Notice how the SMART statements clearly provide a focus for the team. A well-written statement leaves little subsequent doubt. Your teams will know when they are succeeding and when they are not. Clearly written goal statements provide teams with a very clear sense of direction.