Do keep in mind goals can be directional, with statistical basis. Such as, achieve a significant improving trend in metric xx.
I do find the phrase "Challenging yet Achievable" to be laughable, IMO.
For a different way of looking at goals consider this article:
http://www.workplacemagazine.com/Ezine/FullStory.aspx?EzineDataID=2136
A perfectly-timed link for me! Thank you!
My organization recognizes that its data is 'dirty'. Too many points exist in the system for errors and there is little accountability. Yet - and this amuses me to no end - one of our credos is "Information-based decision making".
I've uttered the phrase "Garbage in. Garbage out." multiple times over the past few weeks and I'm sure I've earned very few friends in the process.
So, now we move on to the project team...a group of us (and by group, I mean 2 of us) have been tasked with overhauling the system so that our data is good. Over 7,000 employees...2 of us...totally doable.
Still, we're determined to do what we can and this includes a few activities such as:
- Standardizing the definitions and formulas associated with the (Customer) required metrics
- Reviewing existing processes and identifying areas where errors are occurring (e.g., data entry, system options, etc.).
- Standardizing reporting functions of data
What we haven't factored in to the project until yesterday was the analysis of the data...what do we do with the data once we have it??? We're proposing that this be entered into the project scope, as well.
Not to mention, what do we do in cases where a site has a LCL and UCL which are both under the (Customer) required goal? Up until now, we've said "why" (not digging deep enough in my opinion) and only talked about actions. I'm suggesting that if we want this site to hit, as a minimum the (Customer) required goal, we need a documented plan (with accountability). To simply say "Get to that goal" without providing them the resources to do so is an exercise in futility and one that we need to change. My magic wand is broken and I'm not capable of fixing everything.