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

• Specific – item growth is vague; growth in items received through EPS system is more specific

• Measurable – improving the capability of your team is difficult to measure; ensuring 80 per cent of your team are dementia friends is measurable

• Achievable – goals and objectives should be challenging, but they should be achievable with some effort. Don’t set yourself or your team up to fail by setting targets they cannot achieve in the belief that these will make them work harder

• Realistic or relevant – don’t be overambitious. Goals and objectives for the team should relate to the work they do, and should be meaningful for them if you want them to be committed to achieving them

• Timebound – a target without a deadline is a dream often unfulfilled. 

When targets are written in a SMART format, they provide clarity to the team about what is needed to succeed.