The concept of SMART goals has been around for a while. It states that goals should be:
- Specific.
- Measurable.
- Attainable
- Realistic.
- Timely.
The SMART goal-setting acronym can be applied to any type of goal, from leadership goals to personal wellness goals. Goal-setting has a proven track record of improving results of most any effort. After all, it’s hard to know what direction to go if you don’t know your destination. This is especially true in the field of learning management.
Achieving SMART Goals with Your Learning Management System
When you use a Learning Management System (LMS) for your online training, SMART goals become easier to achieve. Here’s how:
An LMS allows you to create specific learning paths. Each of your employees may have different training goals based on skill gaps, career objectives, and compliance requirements. With the assignment and scheduling features embedded in an LMS, you can ensure each employee’s training program meets their specific needs.
With built-in reporting and tracking functionality, an LMS gives you the information you need to measure the results of your training. For example, a goal that simply says “All employees will complete harassment and discrimination training” is okay, but a goal that says “All employees will score greater than 80% on harassment and discrimination training exams” provides a more clear measure of achievement.
By looking at the results of employee testing and certification delivered through your LMS, you can create future training goals that you’re sure are attainable. The attainability factor for all your employee training is critical to the long-term success of your complete learning management program.
When you blend online learning with mentoring and on-the-job training, your training goals become realistic. The progression of learning starts with a consistent and clear message delivered through your LMS that is then enhanced by hands-on practice.
Being able to track your training in real-time is a key component to achieving timely training goals. With an LMS, you can schedule training months out as well as plan and automate the delivery of critical reports.
Click here for information on RTO®’s Learning Management System.
