Research suggests that individuals can achieve an improvement in work performance by as much as 20-25% simply by goal setting. Does that statement make you want to read further? If this type of return on investment was the next big deal on Wall Street, I would have everyone’s attention. Goal setting is not a new concept yet surprisingly, it is often ignored or forgotten.
A few days ago I gave a presentation to a local association on goal setting. Most of the individuals who attended the presentation were well-educated, experienced working professionals who were considered very successful. After opening my presentation I asked the audience to raise their hands if they had set goals or resolutions for the New Year. About 60% raised their hands. My next question was “How many of you remember your goals and resolutions?” The hands came down to only a few.
Goal setting is basic in the overall realm of personal and organizational performance improvement. Anyone who wants to take the time, can easily do it. With just a little information and a little time spent learning about the power of goal setting, you can significantly improve productivity and performance in your own personal and professional life.
During my presentation I was so shocked to see people writing like crazy to capture everything I was saying, as if I were offering them the secret to life. I’ve rarely seen an audience so enthralled with the information I was presenting, especially as I began to share with participants the concept of a SMART goal.
After seeing the value this audience received from learning about goal setting, I thought I would share this small piece of it with you – the SMART Goal.
A S.M.A.R.T. goal is a set of criteria that will help you define what specifically it is you want to achieve. It contains the following criteria:
Specific – Is the goal clear and well defined?
Measurable – Is the change or intended outcome measurable?
Action-oriented – Does the goal require an actionable behavior?
Realistic – Can the goal be reasonably achieved?
Time-bound – Do you have a deadline for completion?
Having a goal is good, but having a “SMART” goal is even better. By using the SMART criteria and putting your goal setting objectives on paper, you will significantly improve your performance and productivity – maybe even by as much as 25%
Man is a goal seeking animal. His life only has meaning if he is reaching out and striving for his goals.- Aristotle
Tags: S.M.A.R.T. Goals Help To Improve Productivity - Smart G







Good article
I am a big believer in goal setting. I meet with my accountabiility coach weekly to ensure I am doing the right things
Hi; thanks for writing this.
I’m curious to know which research you’re referring to in the following:
“Research suggests that individuals can achieve an improvement in work performance by as much as 20-25% simply by goal setting.”
Thanks for your time!