Review
testimonials
Happy Readers
SMART Goals, Dumb Results" by Paul Cardinal is a refreshingly bold and often humorous critique of one of management’s most beloved tools — the SMART goal. With a sharp eye for flawed systems and a storyteller’s flair, Cardinal dissects real-world examples of goal-setting gone wrong, from corporate boardrooms to historical military campaigns. This is not just a management handbook; it’s a tour through decades of mismanaged ambitions, misguided metrics, and the unintended consequences of rigid thinking
Jon Doe
Customer Review
What sets this book apart is its blend of irreverent wit and deep insight. Cardinal isn’t just poking fun at corporate culture — he’s offering a serious argument for smarter, more adaptable approaches to leadership. Through historical anecdotes, corporate case studies, and personal stories, the book demonstrates how blindly adhering to SMART criteria can create tunnel vision, reward the wrong behaviors, and ultimately sabotage long-term success.
Jeniffer Henry
Customer Review
The book’s greatest strength is its accessibility. Cardinal’s conversational tone, peppered with humor and pop culture references, makes complex management topics feel like coffee-table conversation. Whether you’re a frontline manager, a C-suite executive, or a curious employee frustrated by arbitrary targets, you’ll find both catharsis and wisdom in these pages.
Jim kendal
Customer Review
SMART Goals, Dumb Results" is more than a critique — it’s a call to action. Cardinal argues for replacing robotic goal-setting with thoughtful leadership, flexibility, and most importantly, common sense. In a world obsessed with metrics, this book is a much-needed reminder that the best management tools are useless if they ignore the human element. A must-read for anyone tired of watching the workplace chase numbers at the expense of actual success.
Charles Ben
Customer Review
“A scathing, hilarious, and often heartbreaking commentary on how good intentions and bad goals ruin companies.”
Project Planning Digest
Customer Review
“Cardinal doesn’t just throw stones at SMART goals. He builds a smarter alternative—with stories you won’t forget.”
Organizational Psychology Review
Customer Review
“It’s rare to find a book that makes you laugh, cringe, and think deeply—all within the same chapter.”
Goodreads Reviewer
Customer Review
“Finally, a business book that understands real workplaces.”
HR Weekly
Customer Review