SMARTER GOAL CREATION GUIDE
Plan
The next step is to create the Individual Development Plan.
Creating SMARTER Goals
The Nature of Goals
The best way to ensure success is to set SMARTER goals that measure your progress
over time. What is a SMARTER goal?
Specific
Measurable
Accountable
Realistic
Time-frame
Evaluate
Record
SMARTER GOAL Examples
1. I want to communicate more effectively at work.
By the end of this quarter, I will work to communicate more in team meetings by
asking at least one question or expressing my opinion at least one time in every
meeting I attend. I will share this goal with my supervisor and ask for concrete
behavioral feedback after each meeting to measure how I am doing. I will place a
note on my computer screen to remind myself to speak up in team meetings.
2. I need to work on my decision making skills.
When faced with difficult decisions at work, I plan to focus on building my ability
to brainstorm a few possible solutions to the given problem. I’ll start small and
only focus on decisions that relate to issues of space management in the office.
I’ll try to brainstorm at least one time per week. I’ll share this developmental goal
with my supervisor. I’ll journal at least once a month to reflect on my progress.
To evaluate growth, I’ll meet regularly with my mentor to discuss progress.
SMARTER Goal Practice
Think of a professional development goal you would like to set for yourself. Turn it into
a SMARTER goal in the space provided.
My developmental area is ____________________________________________.
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