The Art of Talking So People Will Listen, by Paul W. Swets, was the first place in print that I read about SMART goals. Now I hear about SMART goals in every organization I work. The S represents specific, the M is measureable, the A is either affirmative or agreed, the R stands for realistic, and the T means time-bound. Goals that are specific rather than general, measurable rather than abstract or vague, affirmative and agreed rather than negative and assigned, realistic rather than idealistic beyond actuality--are achieveable. Yet, we have been duped into thinking that's all there is to pursuing success.
With all due respect, I believe a crucial element has been omitted: the final S. SMART-S goals add a second S for supported. Most goals fail because they are not supported by the employee's peer group, supervisors, and families of origin and invitation. We do not achieve goals in a vacuum. A famous Harvard University study showed that writing out goals made them definite guideposts, and later dedicated signposts, in graduates' lives. I wonder how many of those successful graduates shared the written goals with their support systems. I bet many did! The social, political, financial, and familial contexts impact the success potential of our human efforts. Make sure you have a personal support system and a professional support group that create an encouraging and hope-filled environment in which you can receive nurture and reach success. Without that support, the odds are stacked in favor of frustration, failure, or forfeiture. Who are your supporters? Connect with them and ask them to share affirmations and resources with you.
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