When setting goals, what is an important characteristic to ensure they are effective?

Setting goals that are specific and measurable is critical for their effectiveness. Specific goals provide clear and unambiguous direction, which makes it easier to focus efforts and allocate resources appropriately. When goals are measurable, it allows for tracking progress and evaluating success. This characteristic ensures that individuals can determine when they have achieved their objectives and can assess their performance against defined standards.

For example, rather than aiming to "increase sales," a specific and measurable goal would be "increase sales by 15% over the next quarter." This not only sets a clear target but also establishes a criterion for measuring success.

The other options do not foster effective goal-setting. Vague and broad goals can lead to confusion and a lack of direction, making it difficult to assess progress or achievement. Goals that are challenging but unachievable can lead to frustration and disengagement, rather than motivation. While flexibility is valuable, it should not come at the expense of clarity and measurability, which are foundational to effective goal-setting.