Work SMARTER, not harder: How to write modern SMART goals

Product managers often face an overwhelming array of tasks during quarterly planning, including setting objectives and strategizing, which can lead to information overload. The article discusses the value of using SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to create effective objectives, a concept introduced in 1981 by George Doran, Arthur Miller, and James Cunningham. The text emphasizes that while SMART goals are not an alternative to OKRs, they provide clarity and structure, helping teams prioritize tasks, track progress, and ensure goals are realistic and relevant. The narrative illustrates the application of SMART goals through a scenario involving a product manager named Alex, who navigates the pressures of setting feasible objectives amidst management demands, demonstrating how a SMART approach can transform unclear goals into actionable and successful ones. Additionally, the article hints at the evolving nature of goal-setting by mentioning the more recent SMARTER framework, which includes Ethical and Rewarding dimensions, though it focuses primarily on the original SMART criteria.