Goals

The term “goals” refers to a future condition or performance level that one intends to attain. Goals can be both short- and longer-term. Goals are ends that guide actions. Quantitative goals frequently referred to as “targets,” include a numerical point or range. Targets might be projections based on comparative data or competitive data. The term “stretch goals” refers to desired major, discontinuous (non-incremental) or “breakthrough” improvements, usually in areas most critical to your organization’s future success.

Goals can serve many purposes, including

n clarifying strategic objectives and action plans to indicate how success will be measured

n fostering teamwork by focusing on a common end

n encouraging “out-of-the-box” thinking to achieve a stretch goal

n providing a basis for measuring and accelerating progress

The term "goals" appears in the Baldrige Criteria in the following locations: