Morning Motivator - Communicating S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Expectations

Thank you to Josh Anderson of Keller Williams Real Estate in Nashville for sending me this from Walk the Talk. Your support is TREMENDOUS!

"When people fail to understand what to do next, action will cease."
- unknown

Looking to increase the chances that team members will deliver the performance and results you want? Tell them what you expect! Every instruction you give – or request you make – should include a clear description of the outcome you're looking for. So, how will you know if the expectations you communicate are clear and proper? By making sure they pass the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Test:

Specific – Have I described the behaviors and deadlines required for good job performance?

Measurable – Can my request be measured? Is there a clearly defined completion point?

Attainable – Is it realistic for this person or team to accomplish the results within the stated guidelines? Are they capable? Do they have the right resources?

Results-oriented – Does this request (or instruction) move us closer to our objective?

Trackable – What milestones will ensure that we are on the right track to accomplish our goals?

Ethical – Is this request (or instruction) legal, moral, and ethical?

Recorded – Is there a record (or a second person who knows about the request) that teams members can turn to for guidance?

Have a request (or instruction) and accompanying desired end-state that doesn't pass S.M.A.R.T.E.R.? Change it! Team members should not be held accountable for meeting poorly thought-out or poorly communicated expectations.

By Henry J. Evans

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Cheers,
Zach

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