SMART goals are a popular tool used to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Using SMART goals helps ensure that your goals are clear, actionable, and attainable, leading to higher success rates in achieving them. The acronym SMART stands for:
- Specific: well-defined, clear, and unambiguous
- Measurable: with quantifiable metrics to track progress
- Achievable: realistic and attainable given available resources and constraints
- Relevant: aligned with overall objectives and priorities
- Time-bound: with a clear deadline and timeline for completion
What is a SMART(IE) Goal?
Inclusive and equitable SMART goals should take into consideration the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of individuals and communities, and aim to address issues of equity. Here are a few steps to make SMART goals inclusive and equitable:
- Consider diversity: Ensure that the goal takes into account the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of individuals and communities.
- Address inequalities: Identify and address existing inequalities or barriers that may prevent certain groups from achieving the goal.
- Engage stakeholders: Seek input and feedback from stakeholders, including underrepresented and marginalized groups, to ensure the goal is relevant and achievable for all.
- Ensure accessibility: Consider accessibility and make accommodations for individuals with disabilities or other needs.
- Measure progress: Use metrics that take into account the impact of the goal on different communities and track progress towards equity and inclusion.
Visit the Management Center to better understand how to embed inclusion and equity into your goals. The Management Center has also created a Worksheet to help you get started.
By making SMART goals inclusive and equitable, we are working towards creating a more just and equitable society for all. At Great Plains QIN, we are working to increase our understanding and how best to apply these principles into our quality improvement work.