Setting clear goals is a key leadership skill. Effective leaders define what success looks like and then build habits to achieve it. In other words, you need to define goals but also establish daily habits (systems) that move you forward. This part of the module covers accessible methods – SMART goals and creating vision boards and course correction – with examples, so you can practice each one.

SMART Goals

SMART goals ensure your objectives are clear and actionable. The SMART acronym was introduced by goal-setting experts, initially by George T. Doran, to create well-defined targets. The acronym stands for:

• S – Specific: Clarify what you want. For example, instead of “improve my communication skills,” say “learn techniques to give and receive”
• Measurable: Include a metric or milestone. How will you track progress? For example, “get from level A1 to A2 in learning a language“.
• Achievable (Attainable): Set a goal you can realistically reach with effort and resources. It should stretch you slightly but remain possible.
• Relevant: Tie the goal to your role or values. For women leaders, this might mean choosing objectives that align with their career vision or organizational mission.
• Time-bound: Give it a deadline. “By Q3” or “within six months” creates urgency.

Need some examples? Instead of a vague goal like “I will increase my leadership skills,“ you can set 3 SMART goals like:

• “I will improve my public speaking skills by delivering at least one presentation per month to my team over the next 6 months and collecting feedback after each session.”
• “I will complete an online course on this learning platform on leadership skills by August 31 and apply one new concept in my current project.”
• “I will schedule monthly one-on-one mentoring sessions with two junior colleagues over the next 4 months to support their growth and practice coaching techniques.”

Vision Boards/Dream Maps

Vision boards are visual collages of images, quotes, and symbols representing your goals and dreams. It allows us to define priorities in different areas of life, measure progress, and helps us focus on achieving goals that play the most important role in our lives. Psychologists note that viewing goal-related images helps working toward and achieving those goals. In practice, vision boards make your ambitions concrete and motivational.

Evaluation and correction

Even well-planned goals may need adjusting. Evaluation in this regard means periodically reviewing progress and flexibly changing your plan if needed. It keeps you moving forward instead of being stuck on a failing strategy. How do you do that? Create SMART goals and remember to:

• Regularly review: Set milestones to check your status (monthly or quarterly). Ask: “Is my strategy working? Am I on track?” If not, pause to analyze why this is happening.
• Identify obstacles: If you’re off track, dig into why. Did priorities shift, or did the goal turn out to be too ambitious? For instance, if a planned workshop falls through, you might seek alternative training or adjust the timeline. Understanding the cause lets you adapt (e.g., reallocate resources or seek more help).
• Adjust to your current needs: Modify your approach without guilt. Maybe break a large goal into smaller steps or extend the deadline you set for yourself by a month.
• Tools & Templates: You can use goal-tracking spreadsheets or project planning templates. You can create them in a way that is most suitable for you (on paper, Excel spreadsheet, or maybe in the form of a diary?) for your specific SMART goals.

👉 Throughout this process, remember that goal achievement is dynamic. Keep your vision in mind but stay flexible. Remember that each technique reinforces the others, helping you set clear targets and stay on track even when challenges arise. Are you ready to work on a goal of becoming a better leader? The next part will give you some practical tips on how to stay on your path.