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A finance team member is told that her PDP should be SMART. Her draft objective reads: 'Become better at Excel.' Which revision best meets the SMART criteria?

The best revision is to complete an advanced spreadsheet course and build a rolling cash flow model by 30 September. It is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant to her job and time-bound. The other options are vague, have no deadline or give no way to judge whether the objective has been met.

  1. AComplete an advanced spreadsheet course and build a rolling cash flow model for the department by 30 SeptemberCorrect
  2. BImprove spreadsheet skills over the coming years as time allows
  3. CLearn everything possible about Excel and related software
  4. DAsk colleagues for spreadsheet tips occasionally

Explanation

The first option is specific (advanced course and a model), measurable (completed model), achievable and relevant to her role, and time-bound (30 September). The others are vague, open-ended or have no deadline or measure of success.

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