Back to Basics: Establish Clear Targets (3 of 4)

In previous blog posts, we discussed getting back to basics by establishing a clear company Vision and identifying the company Core Values.  Once these are in place, the next step is to create clear Targets that support the Vision and the Core Values are how the company will conduct business to achieve the Targets.

Leadership teams must have clear short and long range Targets in place so responsibilities can be assigned and progress can be measured.  All company team members must know these targets up front and progress needs to be shared on a regular basis. 

It is a fact that team members are more productive and engaged when they are working within defined Core Values, towards Targets that support the company’s Vision.

Setting company Targets can be simple by using a SIMPLE approach to define each one:

Specific

Targets are to be in detailed "chunks" that are challenging, yet achievable.

Identify

Identify the results and what success looks like for each Target. 

Measureable

Determine the Target’s deadline as well as how progress will be measured and how often.

Purpose

Determine how the Target support’s the company Vision.

Liable

Determine who is responsible for each target, any dependencies, and who is impacted with the outcome.

Exciting

Imagine what it will feel like to achieve the Target.  Is it exciting?

I had great success when I was a corporate leader by using this SIMPLE model.  My team knew what to expect and what was expected of them.  They were clear on the targets and were given the chance to question them for clarity as well as raise any initial red flags.  I communicated the progress on every target every quarter no matter how we were doing.  The team greatly appreciated this approach and performance accelerated.  I have lived this and it works.

Company leaders must take the time to define clear Targets and share these with all team members to ensure that everyone is working as one productive unit.  Only with defined clear Targets can plans be created and put into action to determine what success looks like. 

“If you don't know where you are going, you will end up someplace else.” ~Yogi Berra