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possible, it is necessary to tie a timeframe to a goal. Without a timeframe, the
goal loses its sense of urgency and may or may not ever be accomplished. Even
if it is necessary to move a self-imposed deadline due to unexpected increases
in workload or other factors, it is still important to add a time element to
goals when possible.
Examples of goals that do not institute the SMART methodology include
Complete EOP
Ensure readiness of the Emergency Operations Center
Establish pre-event contract for debris management.
Taking these same non-SMART goals, here are examples of SMART goals:
Establish a planning team to complete revisions to the EOP no later than July
1 (can add year).
Develop a schedule for Operations Chief to test and complete operational
readiness checks before the beginning of hurricane season each year.
The director will work with Purchasing personnel to develop specifications
and bid package for debris management contractor no later than April 10
(can add year).
Using the SMART methodology helps the Emergency Management strategy plan-
ning team by forcing a thought process that makes the goals clearer, manageable,
and attainable. SMART goals will also be clearer to whoever reads the strategy docu-
ment, and will help to develop a clearer direction for the Emergency Management
agency.
Constructing Strategic Initiatives
Once the Emergency Management program strategy goals are established, there
needs to be initiatives to help meet those goals. In some situations, these initiatives
may be called “objectives.” However, the word “initiative” implies that an action
will be taken. The word “initiative” indicates that a leading action will be taken
to meet an end result. For this purpose, we will use the term “initiative” to define
those tasks that will help the Emergency Manager and their staff meet a goal.
Initiatives, much like goals, can follow the SMART acronym for their develop-
ment. Developing initiatives that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and
timely can help to clearly outline tasks that are designed to meet an overall goal
in the Emergency Management program. When constructing the initiatives, the
planning team must think about action words. After all, the tasks required to meet
a goal always require some sort of action. The following list suggests some of the
action verbs that can be used:
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