ABSTRACT
This chapter utilizes the well-known acronym Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-focused, and Time-bound (SMART) to discuss the common characteristics of an effective goal. Action items are typically short-term and are usually completed before some specified follow-up meeting. Goals and action items can be developed during strategic planning meetings and then adapted and added to during quarterly executive meetings, monthly management meetings, and weekly or even daily unit or team meetings. The individuals responsible for executing the action items and accomplishing the goals should always be involved in their development. The goal can be broken down into discrete action items but the goal itself should be focused on the outcome or the result of accomplishing the action items. The lists of action items and goals for each metric can become lengthy and tend to continue to grow over time. Results-oriented also means that the unit or the team has an uncompromised focus on achieving results.
