For goal setting try combining SMART and SWOTT

How many times have you been in a planning meeting and the goals articulated by your group seem misplaced, beyond the earth’s atmospheric layers; destined to fail? One of the favorite measures of success are numbers however, the numeric scale seems unrealistic to reach, beyond today’s resources. As time passes, you and a few others discover the scope is sketchy and too vague moreover, the plans fail to consider risk. I experienced this behavior in Home Owners Associations, School Boards, Team meetings, Project reviews, Pre-Wedding meetings and Family Reunion planning. This is my short list. Ouch! Maybe you share my pain. If so, this is how I spell relief. Two of my favorite acronyms after TGIF are:

1. S.M.A.R.T: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely: This goal setting tool can save your team valuable time as long as you discuss each element early and often enough for member buy in and consensus. In most cases, Evangelist, Conservative and Liberal team members can unite around this constructive theme. It’s about making planning decisions and setting a goal.

2. S.W.O.T.T: Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats and Trends: This tool is a complement to S.M.A.R.T if you and your team consider the effect of each alphabet. Using this planning tool will sharpen your focus and test your goal. Once the group discussion transitions beyond Strengths and Weakness, keep your eyes and ears open to the momentum of Opportunities. The final two letters Threats and Trends represent risk, competition, environmental, technology and others. Remember this is a process that may require additional resources and expert opinion. It works. Try it.

Resources:

Smart HUB http://www.brighthub.com/office/project-management/articles/27868.aspx

Time management huddle http://www.time-management-huddle.com/reviews.html