SMART goals: why and how to adopt them?

November 8, 2024
10 min
Construction team sets smart goals

Is carrying out your projects systematically complicated? Logistical difficulties, complicated implementation, lack of resources, lack of resources, shortage of manpower, profitability problems or delivery delays: does each new project bring its share of unforeseen events and frustration? Are your goals never met? We understand you: managing a construction or civil engineering project is quite a challenge! But have you thought about reviewing your entire method? Starting with the basics: define your goals.

Our advice? Adopt the SMART method (for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound, an acronym that also works in English, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) for Define your goals then, step by step, build a foolproof plan to building your success and achieve all of your goals.

Well applied, a method built on SMART goals is a reliable and convenient way to getgreat results by limiting the risks of error and failure.

In this article, find some of our best tips to implement the SMART method in your company and finally, successfully complete any mission with your team!

SMART method: Definition and elements of understanding.

1. Everyone is talking about it: the SMART method in a nutshell.

La SMART method has a simple objective: encourage you to set SMART goals to allow you to translating your ambitions into concrete actions. The SMART method acts as a framework, it offers you a framework for reading plan your projects and ensure your performance in achieving your goals.

For example: Let's say a business is looking to increase sales through a comprehensive marketing plan. So “increasing sales” is his goal, but it's not a SMART goal, because it's a vague goal, not directly quantifiable, and not clear enough.

On the other hand, “Increase sales by 20% by the end of the year” is a good example of a SMART goal : it is a quantifiable, measurable, precise, achievable objective based on real indicators. It allows the marketing team to plan their efforts and set up concrete actions to achieve a 20% increase in sales by the end of the year.

Setting SMART goals allows management to achieve their goals, but it also allows them to set up a human-based management policy : clear objectives allow you to set goals to achieve, reduce stress and encourage you to do well.

2. The origin of the SMART method

Very well known for management professionals and personal development addicts, the SMART method was initially introduced by Peter F. Drucker, American professor and management consultant, in the 1950s under the name “Management by Objectives”.

But while Peter F. Drucker is the first to give a definition and description of the method, we owe the acronym George T. Doran, also an industry consultant, to give us the acronym “SMART” that we know today. In the early 1980s, in an article entitled “There's a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management's goals and objectives”, he highlighted The effectiveness of SMART criteria To define clear and achievable goals, sources of success for any project. SMART is therefore a mnemonic name (Smart being the English word for “intelligent”) to remember the steps of the method more easily.

Terribly effective, the SMART method quickly became a essential tool for numerous businesses around the world. Its use is particularly appreciated in the fields of project management, of human resources And of personal development, where set specific goals and understandable is crucial for the success of teams and their various projects.

Forty years later, the SMART method is widely used to set goals in various sectors. She remains one reliable lever for success for anyone looking to set up well-defined and achievable goals for their teams or their personal success.

3. What is a SMART goal?

A SMART goal is a easy and fast way to define professional or personal goals and to follow them. Setting SMART goals is a good way to Define your goals by considerably increasing your chances of achieving them.

A SMART goal is defined according to five SMART criteria that your goal should meet. These criteria are:

  • SMART - Specific: To be a SMART goal, your goal should be specific, clearly definable, and specific. Is your objective to reduce delays on your construction sites? Ask yourself why these delays are causing these delays to set more specific goals such as “Reducing material procurement times by 15%.”
  • SMART - Measurable: A SMART goal must be measurable, saying “I want to increase business productivity” is not a SMART goal, because it does not measure the efforts that need to be made to achieve it. Instead, an example of a SMART goal should be formulated like this: “I want to increase company productivity by 10%.”
  • SMART - Achievable: At some point in our careers, we have all experienced the famous hellish and unattainable KPIs, which give the impression of having been set according to a mysterious indicator. To be a SMART goal, a goal, whether sales, marketing, or productivity, must be achievable by your team. There is no point in saying “I want to reduce delivery times by 50%” if you know that it is not possible to achieve it. Even if you care about this goal, your team may get discouraged before even trying.
  • SMART - Realistic/Relevant: A SMART goal is a goal that makes sense, it must correspond to your values and your abilities over the long term. Your goals should be part of a coherent development strategy that is beneficial to you and your business and should not be a matter of personal whim.
  • SMART - Timely defined: Your SMART goal should have a clearly established deadline. Setting goals without a deadline to achieve them will not allow you to move forward! Don't just say “I want to increase business productivity by 10%,” say “I want to increase business productivity by 10% in two years.”

You will have understood it: setting SMART goals requires you to a Some rigorr. The method encourages you to draw up an action plan to be carried out to achieve your goals. Not only does it allow you to clearly and precisely define what you want to achieve, but it also requires you to think about tools, resources and At the time that you will need for reach your new goals.

Setting SMART goals is definitely a smart way to increase your chances of making your project a reality corporate. It's a great way to insure the performance of your teams on specific points that are important for the development of your business and the health of your business!

Some good examples of SMART goals

A few good examples of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic/Relevant, Time-Defined) applicable to your business sectors to give you a better idea of what, in concrete terms, this type of objective is:

  • SMART 1 Objective Example - Construction : Complete the construction of the XYZ River Bridge within 18 months (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Defined).
  • SMART 2 Objectives Example - Civil Engineering : Reduce material costs on the ABC road construction project by 15% by renegotiating contracts with suppliers in the next 3 months (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Realistic, Time-defined).
  • Example SMART 3 objectives - Safety on the construction site : Organize mandatory safety training for 100% of employees on the construction site by the end of the month (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-defined).
  • Example: SMART 4 goals - Energy efficiency : Reduce energy consumption by 20% on the XYZ construction site by installing energy-efficient lighting systems within 6 months (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-defined).
  • Example: SMART 5 goals - Meeting deadlines : Meet 95% of delivery deadlines on all construction projects for fiscal year 2023 (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-defined).
  • SMART 6 Objectives Example - Customer Satisfaction : Achieve a customer satisfaction score of 90% on the ABC building construction project at the end of the project (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-defined).

How and why to adopt the SMART method in the construction and civil engineering sectors?

1. Improving project planning

In the construction and civil engineering sectors, the SMART method can bring real added value by improving and simplifying project planning. By breaking down the overall goals of each project into individual tasks, the SMART method allows more precise control of resources, time and costs associated with each project, task, and objective.

Applying this strategy can help you identify potential problems before they occur, thus allowing the establishment of a plan for a proactive resolution.

In addition, by clearly defining expectations and goals for each task, this method facilitates communication between all stakeholders, thus helping to limit the risk of error and to a smoother and more efficient execution of the project.

2. Optimization of resources and costs.

In a construction or civil engineering project, successful resource planning and Of the costs is a critical factor that can determine the success or failure of a project. Applying the SMART method to this planning is a great way to ensure the efficient and economical use of your resources.

By defining specific, measurable, attainable, attainable, relevant and time-bound goals, it is possible to minimize waste and to optimize the use of each resource.

Examples abound: By setting a SMART goal for the use of machinery (for example, “reducing crane downtime by 20% in six months”), a business can track progress toward that goal and adjust its operations accordingly.

In addition, applying the SMART method to cost control can help keep projects within budget. By setting specific cost goals, such as “reducing labor costs by 10% on the next project,” one can Track expenses in real time and make changes where necessary to meet this objective.

3. Effective control of deadlines and schedules.

In the field of project management, Respecting deadlines is essential. Applying the SMART method to schedules makes it possible to establish clear and realistic deadline goals, which facilitates task scheduling And the prevention of delays.

Again, there is no shortage of examples: A SMART objective may be “Complete initial construction tasks within 3 months”. This provides a clear objective to follow and helps avoid a possible planning error.

Additionally, the SMART method can also help you quickly identify potential problems in your time planning process. If the goal is not achieved within the set deadline, this may indicate an error in organizing the tasks or estimating the time required to complete them. This early identification of errors allows you to take corrective actions before the delay worsened, thus contributing to the effective administration of the project.

5 tips for successfully integrating the SMART method into your business!

Involve the team in defining goals:

For the establishment of SMART goals to work, it is It is essential that the entire team is involved in the process of setting goals. This promotes everyone's commitment and ensures that everyone understands and adheres to established goals.

Ensure regular monitoring of your goals:

Once SMART goals have been defined, it is important to set up regular monitoring. This follow-up makes it possible to check the progress of the work, to identify possible problems and to adjust plans if necessary.

Be flexible in achieving your goals:

Although SMART goals are specific, measurable, and time-bound, It is crucial to remain flexible. Circumstances may change, requiring adjustments to initial goals. Flexibility makes it possible to adapt to these changes without compromising the entire project.

Rewarding successes:

It is important to celebrate and reward successes to maintain high motivation within the team. Rewards can vary, from simple congratulations to bonuses or promotions. This reinforces a sense of belonging and job satisfaction. Achieving your goals is always easier with a motivated team!

Use project management tools:

To facilitate the implementation of the SMART method, the use of project planning tools can be very beneficial. These tools can help with scheduling and scheduling tasks, as well as tracking progress and communicating effectively within the team.

Conclusion

The application of the SMART method in project planning Offer a clear and practical frame for your teams. It allows a effective measure of the evolution of tasks, thus helping to increase the rate of conversion of objectives into concrete results. Reiterating SMART goals during team meetings reinforces their relevance and ensures shared understanding within the team.

Regular use of this tool not only promotes a Precise measurement progress, but also a collaborative practice that stimulates the motivation of the team. In the end, the rate of conversion of SMART goals into tangible results testifies to the success of the team and the relevance of the framework adopted.

Additional resources:

Whatever your goals and the reasons why you are interested in the SMART objective, whether it is simply curiosity, the desire to be a better manager or the desire to implement smarter management, here is a list of articles, reading materials and websites to enrich your knowledge on the subject:

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