SMART Goals Kate Speck Ph D University of

SMART Goals Kate Speck, Ph. D. University of Nebraska Public Policy Center

Setting SMART Goals Requires Decisions on ……… • What should be done • How it should be done • Who will be responsible • Where the action is to be taken • Why is it done • How to measure the outcome

It is best to start with framing a…… • PROBLEM

PROBLEM POSSIBLE PROBLEM AREAS: • REGIONAL RESPONSE AND INTEROPERABILITY • LACK OF REGIONAL TERRIORISM PREPAREDNESS • COMMUNICATION DEFICITS EXIST • NEED FOR A REGIONAL EXERCISE TRAINING OFFICER • PSAP INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS UPGRADE • AGRICULTURAL PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE AND RECOVERY HAS NOT BEEN TESTED • EMERGENCY RESPONSE SUCKS (NOT A GOOD FRAME)

A “SMART GOAL” = A Goal Statement + Key Actions + Benchmarks (Process & Outcome) = The Basic Plan Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary 5 Education

SMART Goals Worksheet 2013 -14 Investment Justification Planning Process Goal: Questions Specific Measurable • Can you easily explain the goal? • Determine your objectives How will the goal be measured? (quantity, quality, cost) How will you know the outcome is met? Attainable • Who is accountable Realistic • Is the goal Time. Framed for the goal? • Is the goal feasable? achievable? • What steps are needed for planning? • What is your timeline/deadline? Responses Action steps List specific actions necessary to achieve this goal. Tracking System: How much… How often… How many…. On a scale of 1 – 10… List the groups or individuals responsible for each action. What resources are necessary? Outline and prioritize the tasks. List potential obstacles and the resources you’ll need. Draft a schedule: which actions are needed by when? Responses

Advantages • Increases the ability to adapt to future eventualities • Helps crystallize objectives • Keeps decisions connected • Reduces unnecessary pressures of immediacy • Reduces mistakes and oversights • Ensures a more productive use of resources • Makes control of projects easier • Increases effectiveness of the overall goal

Limitations • Effectiveness depends upon correctness of assumptions • Planning takes time • Planning delays actions • Encourages a false sense of security

S. M. A. R. T. Goals • S = Specific A specific goal has a greater chance of being accomplished. When thinking of your goal, consider “who is involved, ” “what you want to accomplish, ” “when you want the goal accomplished, ” “which requirements/restraints will provide obstacles, ” and “why you want to accomplish the goal. ”

S. M. A. R. T. Goals - SPECIFIC • Determine your general objectives • Determine why these objectives are important • Ensure that you have knowledge and resources to attain these objectives

S. M. A. R. T. Goals • S = Specific • M = Measurable Establish a concrete means for measuring the progress towards your goal. To determine if your goal is measurable, ask the questions: “How much? ” “How many, ” and “How will I know when it is accomplished? ” For example, if your goal is to increase citizen preparedness from 30% ready to 75% you can measure your progress through training records to see if you are on track.

S. M. A. R. T. Goals MEASURABLE Determine for each of your steps criteria that can measure your success • Define for each step answer for question - "How will I know when it is accomplished? " • Determine milestones for those of your tasks which cannot be finished at one time • Create tracking system (notebooks, checklists, task management software) where you can mark out done tasks and make notes

S. M. A. R. T. Goals • S = Specific • M = Measurable • A = Attainable Identify a goal that is most important because then you’ll adapt your plan to make sure it is realistic for your resources Reaching goals requires thoughtful consideration and planning. Make sure you choose a goal that you will actually take the steps you planned out

S. M. A. R. T. Goals ATTAINABLE • Look through your plan and ensure that all steps are feasible • Check if you have all of the resources to achieve the goals • Ensure that all steps and operations which you are going to perform will bring you closer to your objectives • Ensure that all steps follow in right order

S. M. A. R. T. Goals • S = Specific • M = Measurable • A = Attainable • R = Realistic A goal must be an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. Making sure the goal is realistic is up to you. A high goal is frequently easier to reach than a low one because a low goal exerts low motivational force. Your goal is probably realistic if you believe that it can be accomplished.

S. M. A. R. T. Goals • • S = Specific M = Measurable A = Attainable R = Realistic • T = Time Framed A goal is time framed when you put a cap on the amount of time you will allocate to the project and when you can experience the outcome. Focus on the tangible so you can stay motivated and see results! Setting deadlines for achievement of goals will keep you on track. What do you want to achieve and when do you want to achieve it?

S. M. A. R. T. Goals Time Framed • A time-bound goal will usually answer the question: • When? • What can I do six months from now? • What can I do six weeks from now? • What needs to be done today?

Example: • Not SMART “Create our 2014 Investment Justification Plan. ” • SMART “Create our 2014 IJ Work Plan, connect IJ Goals with federal, state plan using THIRA GAP Assessment; obtain final approval from NEMA, discuss plan with our Region partners and begin implementation by January 2014. ”

ACTIVITY • Use the worksheets provided to practice putting a SMART goal together • Use the guide to create a regional SMART goal • Facilitators will assist at your tables

SMART Goals Worksheet 2013 -14 Investment Justification Planning Process Goal: Questions Specific Measurable • Can you easily explain the goal? • Determine your objectives How will the goal be measured? (quantity, quality, cost) How will you know the outcome is met? Attainable • Who is accountable Realistic • Is the goal Time. Framed for the goal? • Is the goal feasable? achievable? • What steps are needed for planning? • What is your timeline/deadline? Responses Action steps List specific actions necessary to achieve this goal. Tracking System: How much… How often… How many…. On a scale of 1 – 10… List the groups or individuals responsible for each action. What resources are necessary? Outline and prioritize the tasks. List potential obstacles and the resources you’ll need. Draft a schedule: which actions are needed by when? Responses