Define It!
What does the “M” in SMARTIE stand for?
Measurable – the goal and its benefits can be quantified or tracked.
“I want to get better at communication.” → SMARTIE or not?
❌ Not SMARTIE – vague, no measure or time frame.
“I want to graduate soon.”
“To complete my final 12 credits and apply for graduation by May 2026.”
A client wants to find housing — what’s one SMARTIE goal you could help them write?
“To apply to three affordable housing programs by the end of the month.”
Define “Inclusive” in your own words.
Considering and involving people of diverse identities, backgrounds, and experiences.
Give one example of a time-bound goal.
Example: “To complete my research proposal by November 15.” (Any answer that includes a clear time frame works.)
“To meet with my supervisor twice a month for feedback.” → SMARTIE or not?
✅ SMARTIE – specific (meetings), measurable (twice a month), achievable, realistic, time-bound.
“I want to improve client satisfaction.”
“To implement a client feedback survey in my caseload by December and increase satisfaction ratings by 10%.”
Your agency wants to improve cultural competency.
“To host quarterly cultural competency trainings that include diverse speakers and participant feedback.”
Define “Equitable.”
Ensuring fairness by giving people the support and resources they need to succeed.
What question does “Achievable” help you answer?
“Can I realistically accomplish this given my resources, time, and effort?”
“To volunteer more sometime this year.” → SMARTIE or not?
❌ Not SMARTIE – lacks specifics, time, and measurable criteria.
“I want to be a better listener.”
“To practice active listening in every client meeting and request monthly feedback from my supervisor for 3 months.”
You’re supporting a high school student applying for college — make their goal SMARTIE.
“To submit applications to three in-state colleges by November 1.”
Why are these important in social work goal-setting?
Social work values inclusion and justice; goals should reflect those by promoting access and fair outcomes.
How does a “Specific” goal differ from a “General” goal?
A specific goal clearly defines what will happen, who’s involved, and what success looks like. A general goal is vague or broad.
“To increase representation in leadership by mentoring two interns who are BIPOC by May.” → SMARTIE or not?
✅ SMARTIE – specific, measurable, achievable, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable.
“I want to support diversity.”
“To organize a cultural awareness workshop for my field team by April, featuring diverse community speakers.”
How could inclusivity be built into a team meeting goal?
“To ensure all staff meetings include input from each department and a rotating facilitator to promote diverse voices.”
Give an example of an inclusive goal.
“To gather input from clients of different backgrounds when creating new agency policies.”
What makes a goal Inclusive vs. Equitable?
Inclusive means it involves and considers diverse people and perspectives. Equitable means it promotes fairness and removes barriers to access or success.
“To post about diversity on social media.” → SMARTIE or not?
⚠️ Partially SMART – specific action, but lacks measurable detail and equity focus.
“I want to make my agency more equitable.”
“To review and revise our intake process by June to remove barriers for non-English-speaking clients.”
Create a SMARTIE goal to address burnout prevention in your field placement.
“To start a peer support group for staff that meets biweekly for 3 months to discuss self-care and stress management.”
Give an example of an equitable goal.
“To provide transportation vouchers for clients who lack access to public transit for appointments.”