When it comes to Win/Win: What is the difference between a ‘SMART Goal’ and a ‘Well Formed Outcome’?

To gain real success, the best way to achieve it is to establish a win/win goal. No matter what your service or product, if you can give massive value to your customer, and make a living doing something you love, then that is a win/win.

Win/Win goals are also valuable for personal goals. Creating an environment of happiness while creating success in every area of your life means that everyone wins.

SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed (some say Tangible). Personally, I am not keen on the concept of a ‘SMART’ goal because a person can focus too quickly on what may be achievable, or realistic, without considering that there may be more options available.

In the language of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) the word ‘Outcome’ is often used instead of the word goal. Whatever we do there will be an outcome. It may not necessarily be the original objective but there will be some kind of outcome. Whereas ‘SMART’ splits the planning of a goal into 5 areas to consider, the NLP ‘Well Formed Outcome’ investigates nine different areas.

1. What do you want? This must be something that is positive and something to work towards. If it is a negative (I don’t want my team members to argue at meetings, I don’t want to be depressed, I want to give up smoking, etc.) ask what you want instead. How will you benefit?

2. Evidence. This is like the ‘Measurable’ part of SMART. What will success look like? How will you know that you are on track? What will you see, hear and feel (or even smell/taste)? When will you get it? Where and with whom will you get it? What will you be doing when you get it? How will you life be different? How will other people know that you have got it?

3. Specification. When, where and with whom will it happen?

4. Resources. What things will you need and who will help you achieve your outcome? Are there any role models who have the attributes and skills required to achieve the outcome? What qualities do you need to achieve this outcome? Do you have the money? What would happen if you act as if you have the resources?

5. Control. How much of it is within your control? Is the outcome for you or for other people? Can you do it all yourself? How can you persuade other people to help you?

6. Ecology. How much time and effort will this take? Will anything else be effected? What will you lose or gain? What will happen and not happen if you reach the outcome or do not reach the outcome?

7. Identity. Is the outcome in keeping with you as a person?

8. Fitting all your outcomes together. What obstacles might you have to overcome? Does this fit with your bigger goals? What would prevent you from achieving your result?

9. Action Plan. What is the first step and what will you do next? What can you delegate and to whom can you delegate?

In my experience using these questions to create a vivid mental representation of your future will enable you to stay focused on the outcome; while completing the individual steps.

However, designing the outcome is not as important as making a contribution to other people. This is the key to reaping benefits that you might not have previously considered; or even thought possible. Being personally authentic, and serving others, is the best way to facilitate the creation of success; for you and the people around you.