Using S.M.A.R.T. goals to get things done

I want to share something with my fellow monkeys that I find to be very helpful with setting goals and being able to follow through with them. Dating a career student, I've learned some nice tricks about developing a learning plan, follow up and execution.

SMART goals, written about by management consultant, George T. Doran and associated with Peter Drucker's management by objectives concept is a handy tool to outline objectives and have a plan of attack to getting them done.

SMART is a mnemonic acronym (memory device) that assists in recall.

S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Attainable
R - Realistic
T - Timely

There are many iterations of SMART goals (SMARTER, SMARTTA, SMARRT), along with interchangeable synonyms. Although, these are the words that I find useful for personal goals where I am not delegating to others.

How it works:

S - What is specific about the goal?
M - How confident are you about this goal? Rank out of 10 and revisit.
A - Is there a finish line to this goal? Schedule someone to follow up with to hold you accountable.
R - Is this goal practical? Can you reasonably assume you can complete?
T - When do you expect this goal to be accomplished?

After writing down this SMART goal, revisit and give yourself a new confidence ranking out of 10. If you are not certain that you can complete, go back to your goal and reevaluate.

Having someone holding you accountable is very helpful.

Interested to hear what types of goal settings you use?

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”