There is plenty of research that shows that targets that are made SMART are more likely to be achieved. SMART objectives are:

Specific – it can be clearly seen what the target relates to. Item growth is vague; growth in items received through the EPS system is more specific.

Measurable – we have some way of quantifying whether something is done or not done. Improving the capability of the dispensary team is difficult to measure; ensuring at least two extra team members of the team have completed the dispensing assistant’s training programme is measurable. They will have completed it or they will not

Achievable – while targets should be a challenge, they should be achievable with some effort. People often set themselves grand objectives that they cannot achieve in the belief that these will make them strive. They set themselves up to fail or don’t even try to achieve the target and perform less well than if the target were reasonable

Realistic or Relevant – the targets should relate to higher goals and that relationship should be made explicit. If we or our teams are clear about how the targets relate to overall goals, we tend to be more committed to achieving the target

Timebound – giving a deadline tends to encourage achievement of a target. A target without a deadline is a dream or desire that often remains unfulfilled. When targets are written in a SMART format, they drive achievement. They are clear and unambiguous and everyone in the team is clear about what needs to be done to succeed.