"4k ultra high def"
My answer to what my New Year's resolution is.
A bad joke. And one I’ve been repackaging every year since the days of XGA (or 1024 x 768 if you're wondering...)
It’s not a question I take very seriously. New Year’s resolutions often don’t work out. They are vague and intangible.
Here are a couple of examples:
Joanna’s resolution is "to be a better manager"
Dave’s resolution? "I'm going to lose weight”
I’ll cut down on drinking, be more loving to my children, find a new job, save more money, set up my own business. We’ve all heard these before, right?
So, what should we be doing instead? How do we give ourselves a better chance of improving?
The answer is to instead set SMARTER goals.
Many of you will be familiar with SMART objectives. George T. Dolan, in 1981, published the paper, "There's a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management's Goals and Objectives.” This method has been a staple in many organisations since.
SMART is an acronym:
They are used to set individual and team objectives. All objectives must meet these criteria. It works particularly well for those in sales roles and where functions are clear.
There are many variations of the original acronym, but for the purpose of the new year’s resolution, this SMARTER one works well:
S. = Specific
M. = Measurable
A. = Agreed upon
R. = Realistic
T. = Time based
E. = Evaluated
R. = Reviewed
Now apply this to Joanna’s resolution, to be a better manager. How does this translate using the SMARTER approach?
"Joanna is going be a better manager by improving the relationship she has with her team so that they increase their output by 25% by April 30th 2017. She has agreed to this with her line manager and coach, and will evaluate her actions and review her progress every two weeks”
What about Dave?
"Dave is going to lose 14 pounds by the end of March, he has agreed to this with his wife and personal trainer, and will check the scales weekly and change his diet and exercise plan every two weeks”
What do you think their chances of success are now compared to their original resolutions?
The "Agreed upon” part is crucial. Having an accountability partner, buddy, mentor, or coach to hold you accountable will push you to stay committed.
So, if you are already failing at this year’s resolutions (or have yet to make them), try using the SMARTER method instead. You’ll have a much better chance of success.
Then hopefully next year I won’t have to answer with the same bad joke.