3.2.4 Set realistic targets
You are now in a good position to set yourself targets – the steps towards achieving your goals. As you begin to plan in more detail, think in terms of around 3 months to achieve particular targets, although the time period for some may be shorter/longer. This may depend on other commitments, priorities, and so on. Your targets need to be clear so that you can know when you have achieved them. A good way of helping you to formulate clear targets is to use the acronym SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timebound.
Time out
Use your audit work and discussions to set yourself some SMART targets. Focus on specific aspects you need to learn or develop – this could be either new skills or working to improve particular aspects. Make sure you describe the learning needed, not the way of getting it, such as ‘I intend to use this key skill to improve my team working skills’.