As stated in Brian Tracy's blog, "SMART" is an acronym derived from words referring to the qualities and characteristics which the goals you set should have in order to be both realistic and achievable, as well as sufficiently inspirational and motivational.
"Specific"
The goals you set for yourself should be concrete and quite specific. Using an example from sport, you mustn't just say "I will improve my running", but rather "I will improve my distance run in one hour by 20%." Of course, the same principle applies to setting goals at work, including goals for your team as a whole.
"Measurable"
Your goal mustn't be vague. It can't be just floating around somewhere in a fog. It must be clearly measurable so you know whether or not you have achieved it. That's why, even if they involve soft skills or things which are hard to define, you must always quantify your goals with the help of numbers, percentages, length, time, or other concrete data.
"Achievable"
Your goals should be ambitious, yet at the same time realistic. It is definitely not a good idea deliberately to set exaggerated goals that you know you are unlikely to achieve; that will only lead to demotivation. Divide the overall goal into smaller, more manageable subtasks.
"Relevant"
Your goal must be relevant. It must be a priority, not a side-task. And it should also relate to an area that you yourself are able significantly to influence. You could hardly set a goal that, for example, inflation in the Czech Republic will fall to 2% next year.
"Timely"
You must always define when you want to achieve your goals. Along with setting a goal, establish a timetable and write down what steps you need to take to achieve it - including in what time periods.
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