
In times like these, it’s tempting to default to vague, lofty ideals. But if we want to make meaningful progress, we need SMART goals—those that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “We want to improve diversity,” a SMART goal might look like, “We will increase representation of underrepresented groups in leadership roles by 10% by the end of the year.” At the same time, let’s not completely discount the value of non-SMART goals. Visionary thinking, the kind that may seem unmeasurable at first, is where innovation begins. By blending SMART goals with a willingness to dream big, we can maintain momentum and ensure that DEI is more than just a checkbox—it’s a cornerstone of business strategy.