Hard to believe we are so far in the year already. Looking back, when was the last time you actually looked at or considered this years goals, objectives, and priorities? Is your business plan on track? Are you achieving the results you expected for this year? How are you doing with the S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Aligned, Realistic, Time-bound) goals you set?
Today we live in an era when managers and employees want to exercise more accountability. With accountability comes increased responsibility and a duty to self-evaluate and measure one’s progress. Having worked with over 1,000 sales representatives and managers, setting SMART goals was a key part of the annual planning process.
Even with the planning and the desire to be more accountable, only the TOP performers (top 20%) routinely review their annual goals, making sure they are on target with these goals, and making necessary revisions in order to meet their goals. Too many wait until an annual or a semi-annual performance review to evaluate their goals.
As you take time to review your S.M.A.R.T. goals, the following questions may help you improve your overall performance. Spend a minute or two to really think about:
- Are you demonstrating a sense of urgency, focus, and priority in achieving your goals?
- Are you holding yourself accountable? If you are a leader, are you holding others accountable?
- Have you evaluated and selected effective strategies that will help you achieve your objectives, goals and priorities?
- Are you reviewing the environment and adapting your strategies to maximize opportunities and reduce challenges?
- With your customers – internal and external – are you part of the solution, not part of the problem?
- Are you developing effective business strategies based on the changing market environment and customer’s needs?
- Are you learning and implementing better and more effective ways to serve, impact, and empower customers?
By routinely reviewing your S.M.A.R.T. goals, you will ensure your strategies and tactics are helping you achieve the results that will put you on top in 2009.
