Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals

The holidays have come and gone and now the “real world” is knocking on our front door. It feels like New Year’s was months ago as we acclimate back to our regular schedules. Here in Kentucky, all of the warm festive feelings are ushered out as the cold sets in. That cold might cause us to become complacent, we begin to fall into the age-old abandonment of our New Year’s resolutions.

To be honest, it has been quite some time since I have made a New Year’s resolution. The craziness of the holiday season and pressure of the New Year looming leaves me with little time to slow down and contemplate what I want to work on. I feel that this rush is the downfall for most of us, that we don’t get enough time to think about a meaningful resolution that has a chance to come to fruition.

Do you experience something similar? What are your New Year’s resolutions? Have they fallen by the wayside?  Think back to when you decided what your resolution would be; where did it come from? Some people want to lose five pounds so they can fit into their favorite jeans again, while others thrive on the sense of accomplishment they feel after completing a task.
No matter what motivates you, set yourself up for success by making a S.M.A.R.T. resolution.

S – Specific
M – Measureable
A – Attainable
R – Realistic
T – Time-sensitive

This is a handy way of designing resolutions for success, and it’s easy to remember.  But let’s rename “resolutions” as “goals.” It’s a broader term, and in the end, exactly what a resolution is. People expect you to reach your goals, while most are skeptical about resolutions. Goals often originate from a deep-seated desire, and thus we have more internal motivation to stick with it.

Let’s think about your team and your company.  What are your company goals for the upcoming year?  Consider including your employees in the process, since they are going to be directly affected and may have some very good ideas.  If your employees are involved in setting the company’s goals, they will feel more invested and more eager to share in the accomplishment.

In addition, your employees likely have goals for themselves. Have you sat down and learned what these are? People are unique, with various skill-sets and strengths, and it is important to know what drives them. Are they motivated by money? Success? Do they want more responsibility? Do they simply enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and recognition that comes with meeting a goal? Matching job responsibilities with personal interests creates more engaged employees.

Suppose Joe wants to work towards receiving a certification and increasing his expertise. Help him with this achievement by teaching him how to effectively make S.M.A.R.T. goals. Acquiring learning modules and agreeing to give Joe time during the work day to focus on those modules is just one example of merging Joe’s personal goals with those of the company.

This year, get ahead of the holiday hangover and start setting, and working S.M.A.R.T. goals for yourself, your employees and your business. Smart planning in January can mean great things come December.

Kevin Rasp began his HR consulting career with MCM in 2014. In his role as associate, Kevin assists the HR consulting team with employee handbooks, HR policies, and assessment services.

Academy Guest Blogger
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
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San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (800) 846-1555
www.aaepa.com