Ready to Achieve More with Purposeful, Stakeholder-Focused Goal Setting

The SMART framework has long been the gold standard for setting goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework ensures clarity and accountability and helps us transform vague ideas into actionable plans. But is it enough in today’s fast-changing, stakeholder-conscious world?

Enter our proprietary SMARTER + HEART framework, a robust complement that elevates goal setting to the next level by emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and holistic impact. SMARTER (SMART + Evaluated and Revised) and HEART offer a dual-lens—combining precision and purpose—to set impactful and adaptable goals.

The HEART of the Matter

HEART stands for Holistic, Empowering, Aligned, Resilient, and Transformational. It broadens the scope of traditional goal-setting by asking:

• How does this goal impact all stakeholders?

• Is it purpose-driven and aligned with our values?

• Does it foster innovation and meaningful change?

A Winning Combination: SMARTER + HEART

Here’s how you can use both frameworks to set and achieve goals that matter:

Example: Strengthening Team Engagement

SMARTER: Complete a strengths-based role alignment for all employees within 90 days, aiming to reduce turnover by 15% and increase satisfaction scores by 20% within a year. Review and revise quarterly based on outcomes.
HEART: Align roles with individual talents and company values (Aligned). Create professional development opportunities (Empowering). Build a resilient workplace culture that adapts to team needs (Resilient), fostering loyalty and productivity (Transformational).

Why This Approach Works

Combining SMARTER and HEART ensures your goals are grounded in measurable outcomes while remaining flexible and aligned with your long-term vision. It fosters buy-in from stakeholders, integrates innovation, and focuses on delivering transformative results—not just ticking boxes.

Ready to elevate your goals from “good” to “game-changing”? Start blending SMARTER with HEART today to make your business thrive sustainably. If you’d like help crafting transformational goals for your business, let’s connect!

Here’s a template to get you started:
Template for Your Goals

Use this template to craft goals that align with both SMARTER and HEART principles:

Goal Description: How to clearly state your objective and keep it adaptable.

• Specific: Explain exactly what you are trying to achieve.

• Measurable: Describe how success will be quantified.

• Achievable: Evaluate how realistic the goal is given current resources and constraints.

• Relevant: Evaluate how well this goal aligns with your broader mission or priorities.

• Time-bound: Set a target for the deadline for achieving this goal.

• Evaluated: Determine how you will assess progress along the way.

• Revised: Make a plan for adapting if conditions or priorities change.

HEART Integration:

• Holistic: Evaluate how this goal benefits all of the organization’s stakeholders.

• Empowering: Determine if this goal inspires and motivates desired action.

• Aligned: Ensure the goal is consistent with your values and long-term vision.

• Resilient: What must be included to ensure flexibility and adjustability as needed?

• Transformational: How will this goal drive meaningful change?