How to Set SMART Goals and Objectives for Projects

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The rule is clear : without well-defined objectives and goals, it is difficult to know where you want to go.

And this rule applies to any aspect of life, whether professional or personal, do you agree?

Despite this, many people and companies still vp risk email database make mistakes when it comes to stipulating both points in their operations – which ends up leading to the bankruptcy of companies or the failure of their projects.

But there is a methodology, the SMART methodology, that can help in this process. Have you heard of it?

She is the subject of today's content! Follow along!

What is the SMART methodology?
In English, the word smart means cleverness, intelligence, speed. In the language, it is common to speak of a “ smart person ”, that is, a “forward-thinking” person who grasps things wisely and quickly.

This is exactly what this methodology aims to do: help you establish (and achieve!) your objectives and goals quickly, practically and intelligently.

As if the word itself wasn't enough to convey this meaning, it also presents what we call an acronym, where each letter represents another word and purpose.

In the case of the SMART methodology, we have:

S: Specific or Specific in Portuguese

M: Measurable or Mensurável in Portuguese

A : Achievable or Attributable in Portuguese

A: Realistic or Realista in Portuguese

T: Timely or Timely/Tangible/Temporal in Portuguese

Cool, isn't it?

From there, you can already get an idea of ​​where the methodology wants to go!

Created by consultant George T. Doran in 1981, it talks about setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and tangible.

How to apply the SMART methodology in practice
Ok, but how do you apply all these five letters in practice?

By the names themselves of what the letters mean. Come with us!

– The more specific and targeted your objective or goal is, the better.

– Is your goal measurable? Then yes, it is measurable.

– Is it an achievable goal or is it something that, deep down, you know you won’t be able to achieve and deliver? If the first option is the one, you’ve already secured the “A” for SMART.

– There’s no point in trying to “embrace the world” when you’re setting an objective or goal. You need to be realistic!

– In what time frame will you be able to achieve this goal? In the short, medium or long term? In the SMART methodology, this must also be ensured and properly described.

Does it make sense for you, your company and/or your project? From these points, it is now technically possible to apply the SMART methodology.

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But it is possible to go further. Let's see how to do this, now, in this step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Specify
The first step to applying the SMART methodology in practice is to specify and define the objective.

It needs to be aligned with the company's values ​​and where, at the very least, it wants to go.

Don't know where to start? Try listing everything that comes to mind.

If you have your own business, what motivated you to be in it?

If you are in a company, what is driving it? Where does it see itself in a few years? What are the expectations of your area? What do you want to achieve? If possible, talk to leaders to understand more.

From there, you refine the results and answers until you reach a final goal.