SMART GOAL DEFINED and EXAMPLES

SMART GOAL MODEL

S = specific. Your goal should be sufficiently specific that you identify what you want to achieve, when, where, and why.

M = measurable. You need to be able to measure and verify your progress in achieving your goal.

A = achievable. This one seems pretty obvious, but many of us have experience setting a goal that we eventually realize wasn’t really achievable. Thus, it is important to do a reality check to reduce this risk. One approach is to discuss your goals with a mentor, coach, or someone you trust to give you honest and objective feedback.

R = relevant. It should be easy to see the connection between your SMART goals and your longer-term career and professional aspirations.

T = time-bound (timely). An important criterion for setting an effective SMART goal is that you indicate when it will be accomplished. Be specific about this—include mileposts and deadlines.

EXAMPLES

Increase promotional opportunity through participation in workforce development training in the area of federal budget processes by attending one workshop or training session per quarter—4 sessions by July 2018.

Improve job opportunity options through acquiring new career related professional contacts, educationally or professionally, with whom I will schedule 4 follow-up meetings, one per quarter of each calendar year, through attendance at local workshops and conferences to average making a new contact every two months—7 new contacts by July 2018.

Prepare a position paper for the HR director of my office no later than 90 days after this term ends by extracting the key lessons learned in the ethical and legal aspects of this class and comparing them to current policies developed by the HR office for workforce management issues such as disciplinary actions.

From January 2018 – December 2018 research a different employer each month in an industry that I have an interest to determine those that hire MBA students with project management experience and that have in-house management training programs leading to advancement to salary ranges that pay $100,000 per year, which I will then target with my resume starting 6 months prior to completion of my MBA.

I will acquire an accomplished ATO/EM as a mentor by December 2017 and schedule meetings every two months to access my progress on plans made toward becoming a NAVAIR ATO/EMO by August 2020.

From January 2018 – December 2018 research a different non-profit organization that align with my core values and principles in order to apply to those that have a vice president career path when I complete my MBA in May 2019.