Applying the Baldrige Criteria for Performance

Excellence to Talent Management

January 21, 2009

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In the acronym “SMART goal,” “A” is a reminder that goals be aligned. Aligned goals mean their accomplishment (and related specific actions) logically lead to achievement of strategic objectives. Aligned goals balance resources, the needs of all stakeholders, support company overall strategic goals & objectives, and consider the impact on other processes and stakeholders as conditions for success. All aligned goals are “need to do” vs. “nice to do.” Obviously organizations that have many operational “silos” typically don’t align their goals and organizational performance overall can suffer.

Doug Serrano, from Quiet Excellence, advised, “Optimization of all sub-processes does not equal total system optimization.” One “solution” may have an adverse response on another process. Balancing resources, competing initiatives, prioritization, considers all stakeholders and fosters teamwork across the organization.

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