Created by:
Sabrinthia Donnelly
Setting goals is easy. Setting goals that drive results? That takes a little more structure. Our SMART goals template provides a simple, repeatable framework for creating meaningful goals that stick and deliver.
What is a SMART goals template?
A SMART goals template is a practical tool that helps you and your team define goals that are clear, focused, and actionable. It’s built around the SMART framework, which is an acronym for:
- S - Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish?
- M - Measurable: How will you track progress or success?
- A - Achievable: Is this realistic given current capacity and resources?
- R - Relevant: Why does this matter for your role or team?
- T - Time-bound: What’s your deadline or review date?
Instead of vague aspirations like “Improve communication,” SMART goals turn intentions into well-defined targets that drive accountability and performance.
Who is it for?
This template is designed for anyone involved in performance management or goal-setting conversations.
If you’ve ever found yourself trying to align goals with outcomes (or just trying to write a better goal), you’ll get value from this SMART goals template.
How to use the template
You can open the SMART goals template in Google Sheets or download it as an Excel file, or if you prefer, grab the SMART Goal Template Word version for offline use. However you work best, we've got you covered.
To get started:
- Use the guiding questions in each column to shape your goal.
- Be as specific as possible. Don’t worry about perfection, just clarity.
- Review the goal with your team or manager to confirm alignment.
- Revisit the goal periodically and update it as needed.
This isn’t just a worksheet, it’s a conversation starter. You can use this SMART goals template during 1:1s, planning sessions, or performance reviews to build alignment and track progress over time.
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