Quick Tip - Effective Meetings Have SMART Goals
The first step in planning an agenda is to identify the goals
for the meeting. Properly done, goals have five S M A R T
characteristics. They are:
Specific. The goal must tell exactly what will be accomplished.
For example: During the next hour we will develop a strategy to
increase market share by 10%. This states exactly what the group
will work on. Vague goals can cause you to lose control of the
meeting.
Measurable. This helps you determine if the goal has been
completed. It can be stated as a number (5 ideas, 10% gain, one
decision) or as an achievement (Did we write a strategy or not?).
Achievable. Goals must be realistic for the resources and time
available. For example, most groups could identify twenty ways
to reduce the budget in a fifteen minute meeting. On the other
hand, it is unlikely that a group could develop a comprehensive
marketing plan in 30 minutes.
Relevant. To be meaningful, a goal has to relate to the overall
mission of your business. Otherwise, you may be wasting time.
Challenge each goal with the question,