Specific: Cross the Atlantic
Measurable: Beat 4 days, 10 hours, 51 minutes
Achievable: Probably not
Resource-Driven: Huge engines, coal, manpower
Time-Based: Set sail on April 10th
Was this an unspoken SMART goal that contributed to the Titanic disaster?
(Titanic junkies would hammer us on saying it was a goal. The book says it might have been a goal.)
With the Blue Riband on the line, the crew pushed speed over safety. Iceberg warnings were dismissed. Risk escalated with no room for course correction. The result? Tragedy.
“SMART goals aren’t smart when they ignore conditions, feedback, or common sense,” Cardinal notes.
In business, this happens all the time—pursuing deadlines at the cost of quality or safety. Titanic’s story is a reminder: Just because it’s measurable doesn’t mean it’s wise.
