S $$ Specific

To make a goal specific, the five $$W$$ questions must be considered:

Who is involved?

Where is this goal to be achieved?

What do I want to achieve?

When do I need to achieve this?

Why is the goal important? M $$ Measurable

How will I measure my progress?

How will I know if my goal is achieved? A $$ Attainable

Will it be clear when the goal is complete?

Is it reasonable to complete the goal in the time allotted?

Do I have the resources and capabilities to achieve the goal? If not, what am I missing? R $$ Realistic$/$ relevant

Is this goal related to my overall success?

Is the goal reachable, given the time and resources?

Are you able to commit to achieving the goal? T $$ Time$-$bound

How long should it take to accomplish this goal?

When will I check in on whether the goal has been completed?

Am I ready to start work on the goal?

Example $$ Strength goal

I have strong active listening skills in communication according to my friends at university $($from part A$).$ I want to improve my active listening skills in class discussions and group work by practicing focused listening and minimising interruptions during discussions. The goal is important to enhance my active listening skills and make me more marketable when applying for a job as a newly qualified CA$($SA$).$ The goal can be practiced in class and group activities.

I will track the number of times I interrupt a team member during group activities. I will also track the number of times I am distracted by my cell phone during a class. My goal is to reduce these distractions from $5$ per group activity or class discussions to only $2.$ I will allocate $10$ minutes each day to practice active listening techniques and apply these skills during one$-$on$-$one and group discussions.

I have the opportunities available to achieve the goal. Improving my skills as an active listener is important for me to be an effective communicator. It will help me contribute meaningfully to group activities and class discussions. It will also help me develop skills needed when applying for a job as a newly qualified CA$($SA$).$ I can commit to the goal as there are opportunities to achieve the goal. The goal is set for all group assignments and class discussions that will take place during the current academic year. I can begin working towards my goal from the first class discussion and group activity received.

Str$\_$Goal

Grade

Example $$ Development goal

I would like to improve my ability to work as a team leader. I want to improve my skill as a team leader by contributing meaningfully to the group assignments within the deadlines set. The goal is important to enhance my team skills and make me more marketable when it comes to applying for a job as a newly qualified CA$($SA$).$ The goal can be practiced in group work. I will evaluate after each assignment if I have met my commitments from peer and lecturer feedback received. The goal is achievable for group assignments during the current year. For each group assignment, I will ensure that I know my task$($s$)$ and deadlines.

I have the opportunities available to achieve the goal. If my group is successful in delivering, it will mean a better grade for the other team members and myself. Better grades will increase my chances of passing and meeting the requirements of the job advertisement I identified. I can commit to the goal as there are opportunities to achieve the goal. The goal is set for all group assignments that will take place during the current academic year. I can begin working towards my goal from the first group assignment received.

Dev$\_$Goal