SMART Goals vs. SMARTER Goals: Set Strong Goals

Big goals require more than ambition; they demand structure. For managers, simply setting goals isn’t enough. You need a framework that makes them measurable, adaptable, and connected to performance outcomes. That’s where SMART goals (and their updated version, SMARTER goals) come in.

In this article, you’ll learn how to:

• Set SMARTER milestone goals that drive progress.
• Break goals into milestones.
• Connect goals to KPIs for performance reviews.
• Use action items to stay on track.
• Keep everything visible so your team stays accountable.

Most managers are familiar with SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMARTER goals expand the framework with two important elements:

• Evaluate: Build in checkpoints (like during 1:1s) to review progress.
• Revise: Adjust goals as priorities or conditions change.

Example: Instead of a vague goal like “roll out new sales training,” make it a SMARTER goal:
“Create and deploy new sales training by March 31. Review progress monthly during 1:1s, and revise tactics as needed.”

This creates a strong goal that’s specific, measurable, and flexible enough to adapt while keeping your team focused. In this article, we'll focus on milestone goals, but some goals that are all about numbers may work better as metric goals.  

Once you’ve set a SMARTER goal, the next step is to break it into milestones, which are outcomes that mark major progress.

For example, if your SMARTER goal is to create and deploy new sales training, some milestones along the way might be:

Interview sales VPs to gather needed training objectives by January 5.
Create a rough draft of the faciltator guide by January 15.
Share first draft and gather feedback from VPs by January 31.

Milestones with due dates give managers visibility and structure, making it easier to review goals and guide teams step by step.

Most SMARTER milestone goals can include KPIs that define success or help signal whether things are moving in the right direction. While not all milestone goals require KPIs, they can be helpful in some circumstances to guide discussion and reflection on how the goal is doing overall.

Examples:

• Sales team training deployment → KPIs  to include: attendance, conversion rate after attending training
• Development team production goal → KPIs to include: defect rates or sprint completion rates
• Customer service goal → KPIs to include: first-response time or customer satisfaction

Aligning SMARTER goals with KPIs helps track performance and makes it easier to review goals during 1:1s and formal performance reviews.

So, what are action items? They’re the smallest building blocks—quick, trackable reminders with due dates that support milestones. Think of them as sticky notes that ensure tasks don’t slip through the cracks. Action items are the bits of work that help you complete milestones.

Action items should be:

• Small enough to complete in 30 minutes to a few hours
• Specific and clearly assigned
• Directly tied to the milestone they support

Examples of action items for the “Conduct customer segmentation research” milestone:

Send survey to top 50 customers
Compile market data into spreadsheet
Schedule team review meeting

Well-designed action items ensure daily work connects back to the goal itself.

Even the best SMART / SMARTER goals fail if they get buried in spreadsheets. Visibility is what keeps progress alive. Performance management platforms like miviva make that possible by:

• Goal setting: Align SMARTER goals with organizational objectives.
• Milestone tracking: Break down goals into milestones and track results.
• Action item reminders: Keep tasks visible and on time.
• Real-time updates: Adapt as work evolves without losing sight of outcomes.
• Performance reviews: Goals are dynamically updated on performance reviews and include real-time feedback, ratings, and progress updates, saving time during the annual performance review period.

Managers who want consistent performance should follow this cycle:

1. Set a SMARTER goal.
2. Break the goal down into manageable milestones.
3. When it's helpful, connect milestone goals to KPIs.
4. Use action items to support progress.
5. Evaluate and revise goals as needed.

Put this framework into action today:

• Download the SMARTER Goals Worksheet to structure your next set of goals.
• See how miviva actually helps people reach their goals with continuous performance management.