The idea of SMART goals has been around for some time and can be helpful when setting targets.

Over at Inc.om they have taken things a bit further and suggested a new mnemonic for setting goals.  Goals should be CLEAR:

• Collaborative (Goals should encourage employees to work together collaboratively and in teams)
• Limited (Goals should be limited in both scope and duration)
• Emotional (Goals should make an emotional connection to employees, tapping into their energy and passion)
• Appreciable (Large goals should be broken down into smaller goals so they can be accomplished more quickly and easily for long-term gain)
• Refinable (Set goals with a headstrong and steadfast objective, but as new situations or information arise, give yourself permission to refine and modify your goals)

Original article