Ring 1

Clear objectives allow one to steer on results rather than on inputs and avoid that management becomes limited to auditor statements, procurement reports

Objectives give a common sense of direction to all those involved in implementation. They can be formulated as minimum targets or as ideal situations. It is only with a clear understanding of objectives that it makes sense to focus and try and capitalize on opportunities in the environment and to build in flexibility and the capacity to adjust.

Some points:

• Be cautious in substituting objectives for performance yardsticks
• Objectives need to be widely shared
• Particularly if there are several objectives, consider band-widths of acceptability

Tools:

• SMART
• Supersmart
• Ist-soll