６招教你当一个SMART型领导

    2. 可衡量（Measurable）：双方都必须清楚对成果的衡量标准是什么。再次说明，这也得用白纸黑字写出来，否则就可能出现问题。经常问“你怎样知道这件事的成果让你满意？你衡量这项工作的标准是什么？”如果双方不就此达成一致，那么最后可能就会出现问题。通常提出要求的人自己也不清楚他们的标准，直到干活的人最后拿出了成果，他们才知道它不符合自己的标准。有技巧的领导必须学会划清标准，这样才能与其他人讨论标准问题。如果领导连标准都不划定……谁才是懒人呢？

    3. 可执行（Actionable）。这个要求必须是件可以执行的事。比如它必须在我们的能力范围以内，我们必须有必要的批准、必要的预算和必要的人手。没有这些东西，这个要求就不是“可执行”的要求。如果你不管出于任何考虑，都觉得一个要求不具备可行性，那你一定要说出来。如果你默默承受，没有据理力争，你觉得后果会变成什么样？所以一定要出说来！

    4. 现实性（Realistic）。实现这个要求必须有充足的时间，并且可以调配充分的资源。让某人“在48小时内再建一座金字塔”就是不现实的要求。如果你觉得一个要求不现实，你应该把它推回给领导。你要告诉领导现在还缺少什么，以及怎样做才是现实的，并就此与他进行谈判。如果你需要更多时间，就提出要求。如果有人告诉你，他们需要更多时间，你就给他们时间。如果缺乏相关资源，就提供这些资源。巧妇难为无米之炊，缺乏必要的资源，他们能给出什么样的结果？

    5. 时效性（Time-based）。双方必须在完成任务的时间上达成一致。如果完成时间不明确，就要说出来！据理力争！在得到一个清晰、可接受的时限之前不要说“好的”。在确定一个合理的成果交付时间后再表示同意。如果日历上没有明确的时间和日期，它就是一个不具有时效性的任务。

    6. 检查对方的理解程度。为提要求而谈判时，一旦SMART准则的各个元素都明确之后，别忘了检查对方的理解程度。比如你可以说：

    “你能否向我重复一遍这次讨论结果的要点？你认为我们双方的协商结果是什么？我想确定我们双方都理解无误，这也是为了大家都好。”

    在对方说话时，记得做记录，并且与你自己的理解进行对比。等他们说完，再次就双方理解不一致的地方进行商榷。

    谈话结束后，给他们发一份书面备忘录或电子邮件，使你们的口头同意变成白纸黑字。让他们细看一遍，然后给你发回确认信息。只有他们认同约定的内容都正确，这才算到了投入行动的时候。如果你是接受要求的那个人，那你可以迅速地写一封电邮，根据SMART准则，汇总双方谈判的所有要点，然后让对方确认你的理解是正确的。

    SMART准则的好处是什么？

    • 双方都认为任务会得到有效执行，结果会达到预期。大家对结果也会有更大的信心。

    • 双方的信任感会提高，因为问题得到了有效避免，他们下次也会乐意再合作。

    • SMART准则是一个训练他人的非常简单有效的方法。通过言传身教，你可以让他们知道，当他们向别人提要求时应该怎么做。

    • SMART准则确保任务第一次就能正确完成，从而节省时间和金钱。

    2. Make it Measurable.It must be clear how performance will be measured. What are the “success criteria” that will tell both parties when the desired outcomes have been achieved. Again, it must be spelled out in black and white. If not, expect breakdowns to occur. Always ask “how will you know, beyond any doubt, that this has been done to your satisfaction? What are your standards to measure this work?” If you don’t get this agreed between the two parties, expect trouble at the end of the road. Very often a person making a request is unclear about their own standards…until they see the other person’s work and it doesn’t meet them. Skillful leaders must learn to get clear about their standards so they can communicate them to others. If they don’t…who is being lazy? 

    3. Make it Actionable.The request must something that can be acted on. For example, it must be within our power, and we must have the necessary approvals, and the necessary budget and available manpower. Without such things, the request is not considered as “actionable.” If you feel, for any reason, that a request is no actionable…say so! If you suffer in silence and don’t push back, what do you think is going to happen? Speak up!

    4. Be Realistic.The request must allow sufficient time and there must be sufficient resources available. Asking someone to “re-build the Pyramids in 48 hours” is an example of a request that is not realistic. When a request seems to be un-realistic it is time to push back, say what is missing, and negotiate something you truly feel is realistic. If you need more time, ask for it. If someone says they need more time, give it to them. If the relevant resources are missing, provide them. How do you expect people to perform if they don’t have what they need?

    5. Make it Time-based.Both parties must agree on exactly how much time is going to be allowed to fulfill the request. If the time frame for completion is unclear, speak up! Push Back! Don’t say “yes” until you have a clear and acceptable time-frame to work with. Then agree on a specific time for delivery of the completed work. If there is not date and time of day on the calendar, it is not Time-based.

    6. Check for Understanding.When negotiating a request, always check for understanding once you have clarified each element of the SMART standard. Do this by saying:

    “Would you please repeat back to me what you have understood in this discussion? What is that you think we have agreed to? I just want to be very sure, for both our sakes, that we have got it right.”

    As they speak, take notes and compare with your understanding. When they are finished, go back and clarify any points that did not match your understanding.

    After the conversation, send them a written memo or email that captures your agreement in black and white. Ask them to check it and confirm back to you. Once they agree that it is correct it is time to move into action…and not before. If you are the one accepting a request, write a quick email that summarizes each point of the SMART agreement you have just made. Ask the receiver to confirm that your understanding is correct.

    What are the Benefits of Being SMART?

    • Both parties greatly increase their confidence that the task is going to be effectively performed and delivered as expected. Everyone has much greater confidence in the outcomes.

    • Trust is increased between the two persons because breakdowns are avoided and they will be more willing to work as partners next time.

    • Using the SMART standard is a very simple and effective way to train and coach people. You are showing them what you expect them to do when it is their turn to make requests of others.

    • Being SMART saves time and money by ensuring the task will be done right the first time.