Which statement best demonstrates applying the SMART framework to a goal?

• A. The goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound with a clear deadline; for example, increase attendance to 90% within four weeks.
• B. The goal is vague and lacks a deadline.
• C. The goal is not measurable and not aligned with the team purpose.
• D. The goal focuses only on personal preferences and is not realistic.

Answer: (A)

SMART goals are clear targets you can track and achieve. The best statement shows all five parts: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It sets a precise target—attendance—and a numeric goal—90%. It includes a deadline—within four weeks—so you have a concrete timeframe to work within. It also signals feasibility, suggesting the goal can realistically be reached, and it ties to a meaningful team objective, making it relevant.

Other options miss one or more parts: they can be vague about what success looks like, lack a measurable target, omit a deadline, or fail to connect the goal to broader aims, which makes progress hard to gauge and less motivating.