Setting Targets

think about where you are going, what it is going to take to get there, and when you aim to achieve your goals.

When setting targets, think about where you are going, what it is going to take to get there, and when you aim to achieve your goals. If your strategic goal is to grow your position within the market by 40 percent, for example, you might set the goal of 15 percent growth each year.

Alternatively, you might set an increased sales target of five percent in year one and 30 percent in the next year following the acquisition of a competitor. if your strategy is for your team to have a more central role with extended responsibilities in three years, you might set targets of hiring one new person with different skills in year one and two more staff in each of the following years. Or, you might measure the flow of work on a monthly basis to check the increase in volume and type of work. Whatever measures you choose, they will help you to check that you are still on track.

ACTION POINT: Establish steps tied to time lines to measure your progress.