As a project manager, setting clear, achievable goals is crucial for the success of any project. SMART goals provide a framework to set effective goals that align to project objectives and motivate your team. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what SMART goals are, why they are important for project managers, and provide examples and templates to help you put SMART goals into action.
What are SMART Goals?
SMART is an acronym that stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
SMART goals originated in the early 1980s and were popularized by George T, Doran’s 1981 article in Management Review The principles have since been widely adopted by project managers to drive clarity and focus
SMART goals are:
- Specific – Well defined, clear, and unambiguous
- Measurable – With concrete criteria for tracking progress and success
- Achievable – Realistic and attainable given resources and constraints
- Relevant – Aligns with broader project and organizational objectives
- Time-bound – With a defined timeframe or deadline
Properly setting SMART goals is crucial for project success. Vague or unclear goals lead to misunderstandings inability to measure progress, and ultimately, project failure.
Why SMART Goals are Important for Project Managers
SMART goals are powerful tools for project managers for several key reasons:
Increased Clarity
Well-defined SMART goals provide clarity on what you are trying to achieve. Using specific and unambiguous language prevents miscommunication between team members and stakeholders.
Better Planning
SMART goals make it easier to plan project activities, timelines and allocate resources. By having clearly defined objectives, you can break initiatives down into manageable pieces.
Effective Execution
With measurable and time-bound SMART goals, it is easier for teams to track progress and stay focused. Team members understand what they need to do and the expected timeframes.
Accountability
Assigning owners to specific, measurable goals drives accountability. Progress and completion can be monitored at individual and team levels.
Motivation
Achievable goals tied to broader objectives provide purpose and motivation. Teams understand how their work ladders up to organizational success.
Examples of SMART Goals for Project Managers
Let’s look at some examples of effective SMART goals for project managers:
Project Planning
Improve project planning accuracy by developing a standard template with key assumptions and variables by the end of Q1.
- Specific – Create a project planning template
- Measurable – Template completed by end of Q1
- Achievable – Reasonable timeframe and scope
- Relevant – Supports improved planning accuracy
- Time-bound – Q1 deadline
Risk Management
Reduce project budget overruns caused by unforeseen risks by 10% by Q3.
- Specific – Reduce budget overruns
- Measurable – 10% reduction
- Achievable – Realistic reduction target
- Relevant – Tied to improving risk management
- Time-bound – Q3 deadline
Team Collaboration
Improve cross-functional team collaboration by 25% by end of year as measured by team satisfaction survey.
- Specific – Improve team collaboration
- Measurable – 25% improvement, satisfaction survey
- Achievable – Realistic collaboration target
- Relevant – Supports teamwork and engagement
- Time-bound – End of year deadline
Setting SMART Goals by Project Management Phase
SMART goals can be set at each phase of the project lifecycle:
Initiation
- Streamline project charter approval by implementing a standard template by Q2.
Planning
- Improve project plan accuracy by 10% by Q3 through use of historical data.
Execution
- Reduce critical path delays by 20% this year by optimizing resource allocation.
Monitoring and Controlling
- Decrease average time spent on status reporting by half by end of Q3.
Closing
- Capture lessons learned and best practices from 80% of projects by Q4.
Tips for Writing SMART Goals
Follow these tips when developing SMART goals:
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Involve your team – Collaborate with team members to ensure buy-in and accountability.
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Set key milestones – Break large goals down into manageable milestones.
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Prioritize – Focus on the most important goals with the biggest impact.
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Re-evaluate frequently – Review goals regularly and adjust as needed.
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Document – Write down and share goals for visibility and alignment.
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Track progress – Use key metrics to monitor achievement.
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Provide updates – Communicate regularly on goal progress.
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Reward success – Recognize those who help meet goals.
SMART Goals Template
Use this template to develop and document your SMART goals:
| Goal | Specific | Measurable | Achievable | Relevant | Time-bound |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Improve project schedule accuracy | Reduce schedule overruns by 15% | 15% schedule overrun reduction | Realistic given past performance | Supports on-time delivery | By end of Q3 |
Get Started With SMART Goals
By taking the time to establish effective SMART goals, you can set your project and team up for success. Well-defined goals drive clarity, alignment, motivation, and accountability. Use the examples and tips provided above to begin implementing SMART goals on your next project. Monitor your progress and update goals consistently. Partner with your team and stakeholders to bring full commitment. Achieving your SMART goals will lead to project excellence and career advancement as an effective project manager.
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Have you ever sat through a company goal-setting session and come out feeling less motivated that you did going in?
Maybe you came up with a list of personal goals that looked something like this:
- Network more.
- Be a better communicator.
- Stop going over budget all the time.
When you shared the goals, everyone approved. They seemed to demonstrate a commitment to succeed as a project manager.
Except they’re the exact same goals you set the previous year. And even though you may have attended some networking events, and read a book about listening skills, you feel as though you haven’t made any significant progress toward achieving any of them.
It’s discouraging to set goals that lead to nothing but dead ends, stagnation and zero growth.
If they never worked in the past, then how can you muster the motivation to try again? Aren’t goals supposed to enable growth and advancement? To shine a path to innovation and possibility?
The truth is, they can do all of these things. The secret lies in how the goal is written in the first place.
Are you aspiring to level up your project manager career, build a team and improve output? Then this is your guide to creating SMART goals to get you there.
Conclusion: As Good as Your Goal
You wouldn’t think that the phrasing of a goal makes much of a difference. But as it turns out, it really does. It’s a game changer, even.
An unfocused goal limits what you achieve, and it can even discourage and demotivate a team. A SMART goal, on the other hand, has an unambiguous and attainable objective with clear benefits. It energizes and motivates people.
What are your long-term and short-term SMART goals?
How to Create SMART Goals in Project Management
What is a SMART Project Manager?
Way back in 1981, George T. Doran introduced the “SMART” system as the best way to set goals during the planning stage so there is clear direction leading to project success. Setting SMART goals as a project manager is a sure way to bring your teams together for effective work, as well as improve your own projects.
Why do project managers use SMART goals?
Many successful project managers utilize project management SMART goals as a means of increasing employee engagement, strengthening team morale, and maximizing productivity.
What are SMART goals?
Sometimes called SMART objectives, SMART goals are used by project managers and leaders to create and communicate clear and measurable desired outcomes for people and projects. Specific: The specifications are clear and exact. Measurable: The outcome can be quantified or measured. Achievable: The goal is realistic to achieve.
What are SMART goals for Project Monitoring?
Time-Bound: The schedule must be completed before the tasks are assigned and the project begins. SMART goals for the project monitoring phase should focus on effective tracking of project progress. This might include regular updates, proactive changes to procedures, and unforeseen risk management strategies.
