What characteristic should effective targets possess according to the SMART criteria?

Effective targets should possess specificity according to the SMART criteria, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specificity refers to the need for targets to be clear and well-defined. When a target is specific, it precisely describes what is to be achieved, eliminating any ambiguity. For example, instead of a vague goal like "improve sales," a specific target would be "increase sales by 20% in the next quarter." This clarity helps individuals and teams understand exactly what is expected and allows for a more focused approach to planning and execution. Overall, specificity ensures that everyone involved has a mutual understanding of the goals, which is crucial for effective performance management and assessment.