When a Goldfish Outgrows Its Bowl: The SMARTER Way to Set Goals

Employees want to understand the reason behind their actions and find meaning in their work. The most effective way to provide this is by setting clear goals.

A practical tool for this is the SMARTER framework, which helps transform aspirations into motivating targets - much like the idea that a goldfish grows only as large as the bowl it lives in. The acronym SMARTER stands for:

- Specific (defined as clearly as possible)
- Measurable (with quantifiable indicators; for qualitative goals, the guiding question at the end is: "Did we achieve it?" - answered simply with yes or no)
- Attractive (a goal must be appealing if people are to commit to it; sometimes also interpreted as Agreed - meaning set in consensus - or Accountable - taking responsibility for one's actions)
- Realistic (achievable within the given resources)
- Timed (linked to a concrete deadline, such as May 15, 2027)
- Ethical (in accordance with ethical principles of human action)
- Recorded (documented in writing)

Individual goals are, in the end, always connected to the broader objectives of the organization.

When you work with an employee to formulate a goal, make sure to also state its purpose: What is it meant to accomplish? Understanding that purpose fuels motivation - after all, who wants to work on "just anything" without knowing why it matters?

This insight is excerpted from the book "Empowering the Inner Leader - 147 Tips for Growth, Fulfillment, and Success" by Stefanie Camin - author, executive coach, and expert in transformational leadership. The book is published in German: https://amzn.to/4kRKoLu.
Learn more at www.stefanie-camin.de.

Stefanie Camin
Oberwiesenthaler Straße 6
91207 Lauf
Germany

Stefanie Camin is a keynote speaker and author specializing in inner leadership, mindful communication, and authentic professional development. With a background in education, management, and psychology, she brings over 20 years of cross-industry experience into her work with organizations, leaders, and individuals seeking meaningful and lasting transformation.

Her work is based on the conviction that true leadership begins within. She inspires people to lead with clarity, self-awareness, and inner strength - even in turbulent times. Whether on stage, in workshops, or in her writing, she combines depth with practical tools to strengthen responsibility, resilience, and personal fulfillment.

As a speaker, Stefanie Camin is known for her warm, clear presence and relatable insights. She delivers keynotes at leadership conferences, HR events, and corporate forums, where she empowers her audience to question outdated patterns and embrace a more human, connected way of leading.

In addition to her speaking engagements, Stefanie Camin is the author of the upcoming book "Strengthen Your Inner Leadership - 147 Tips for Growth, Fulfillment, and Success", which will be released in October 2025 in German: https://amzn.to/4kRKoLu.

The enterprise is based in Germany and operates independently, collaborating with HR departments, event organizers, and executive teams across various sectors. Its mission: to help people lead with inner clarity - and live with greater purpose.
Motto: Strong within, confident on the outside.

Find out more at www.stefanie-camin.de.

This release was published on openPR.