How S.M.A.R.T. Are You?

Organizational ChallengesProject ManagementCareer Challenges
Written By Dr. Philip D. Mann, PMP, PMI-RMP

I’ve grown very tired of hearing about S.M.A.R.T. goals over the years because, even though there are some changes to the acronym over time, the result is very often the same: meaningless, circular performance targets that confuse everyone.  Why?  People focus on developing goals within the template, totally missing the point of having goals to begin with.  Organizations strive to have something reportable – usually something “green” that looks both important and constantly successful – without any chance of failure or actually changing (i.e. improving).

Here’s how it usually happens*:

Specific: Find some minuscule datum of questionable utility that is easy to quantify, and focus on it like a laser.

Measurable: Eliminate anything that we don’t already keep data on, no matter how disconnected from our performance objective.

Achievable: We can already do it with the time, resources, and processes currently in our possession.

Realistic: Much like “achievable” but without the remaining hints of ambition.

Time-related: Fits into some predefined reporting period that will make the goal very convenient as a reportable metric.

S.M.A.R.T. goals aren’t smart, if that is your starting point – don't let the template ruin the result.

* Yes, I know there are other labels used for S.M.A.R.T., but it doesn’t invalidate the point.

Note: This post first appeared as a LinkedIn blog by Dr. Mann on March 29, 2017.

Dr. Philip D. Mann, PMP, PMI-RMP

Dr. Philip D. Mann brings 17 years of experience at the Federal Aviation Administration to the intersection of artificial intelligence, safety systems, and organizational risk management. As an internationally recognized expert in aviation operations and safety, Dr. Mann has appeared in major news outlets providing critical analysis on aviation incidents and safety protocols.

Currently affiliated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Dr. Mann combines academic rigor with real-world operational expertise. With a PhD in Organization and Management, complemented by an MBA, MPA, and BS in Business Management, Dr. Mann bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation. Professional certifications include PMP and PMI-RMP credentials from the Project Management Institute.

Dr. Mann's forthcoming book, The SCAR Framework: A Systematic Approach to AI Decision-Making in Critical Systems, provides executives and safety professionals with a field-tested methodology for determining when and how to responsibly implement artificial intelligence in high-stakes environments. The framework—addressing Safety, Complexity, Accountability, and Resilience—emerged from extensive research in transportation, healthcare, defense, and public infrastructure sectors.

Specializing in project management, organizational behavior, and educational technologies, Dr. Mann consults with organizations navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation in safety-critical operations. Their work emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, risk quantification, and the human factors essential to the successful integration of technology.

When not analyzing safety systems or developing risk management strategies, Dr. Mann pursues science-based bodybuilding and is actively learning Latin American Spanish—disciplines that reinforce the same systematic approach to excellence that characterizes their professional work.

https://www.scarframework.com
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