When setting goals, what characteristic ensures they can be quantified?

In the context of goal-setting, the characteristic that ensures goals can be quantified is "measurable." This means that the goal includes specific criteria that allow for tracking progress and determining when the goal has been achieved. Measurable goals typically involve the use of metrics, such as numbers, frequency, or percentages, which provide a clear benchmark for evaluating success.

For instance, instead of setting a vague goal like "increase sales," a measurable goal would specify "increase sales by 20% over the next quarter." This quantification is essential because it provides clarity and focus, making it easier to assess progress and make necessary adjustments if the goal is not being met.

In contrast, characteristics such as "attainable," "flexible," and "specific" address different aspects of goal-setting but do not directly pertain to the ability to quantify a goal. While being attainable ensures that the goal is realistic, flexible allows for adjustments as circumstances change, and specific narrows down the focus of the goal, only "measurable" directly relates to quantifying outcomes.