SMART Goals Comparison Grid

GOAL SETTING TOOLS

Compare two draft goals across five optional SMART dimensions.

Comparing Two Draft Goals

This comparison grid places two draft goals beside the same five SMART prompts. The framework is optional, its letters are defined differently across sources, and a goal can be meaningful without satisfying every field.

Use the reference page as a vocabulary aid, then compare the two drafts. A blank or uncertain cell does not prove weakness, failure, burnout, irrelevance, or lack of commitment.

The reference table on the next page defines each dimension with examples at an executive level. Use, adapt, or skip the examples, then draft in the side-by-side grid if comparison is useful.

How to Use This Worksheet

  1. Start anywhere. Draft one or two goals, then use only the rows that help clarify a question.
  2. Define your terms. Decide whether an observation, description, milestone, or metric is useful for this goal.
  3. Review access and constraints. Note resources, dependencies, authority, support, and uncertainty without predicting success or failure. Record access, resources, constraints, and uncertainty without predicting failure.
  4. Use the R row in your own way. Some sources use Relevant and others Realistic; write the question that fits your context.
  5. Choose timing only if useful. A date, range, review point, dependency, or no fixed deadline may fit different goals.
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SMART Reference

Letter Term Definition Example
S Letter SPECIFIC A clear, unambiguous statement of what will be accomplished - precise enough that someone else could confirm whether it happened. I will redesign the quarterly review process for my direct reports to include 360-degree feedback.
M Letter MEASURABLE Criteria that let you track progress and confirm completion. Numbers, milestones, or observable outcomes. Each review will include feedback from at least 3 peers and 2 stakeholders, with a standardized rating framework.
A Letter ACHIEVABLE The goal can realistically be accomplished given current resources, authority, and constraints within the timeframe. I have budget approval for the feedback platform and support from HR to pilot with my team first.
R Letter REALISTIC The goal is relevant - connected to a broader priority that matters for your role, team, or organization right now. Our engagement survey flagged "lack of developmental feedback" as the top concern. This directly addresses it.
T Letter TIME-BOUND A defined deadline or timeframe that creates focus and accountability. Anchored to the scope, not to an arbitrary date. New process in place for Q3 reviews. Pilot with my team in Q2, then expand to the department by Q4.
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SMART Goal Grid

  GOAL 1 GOAL 2
S Specific    
M Measurable    
A Achievable    
R Realistic    
T Time-Bound    
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