Case B. Performance Objectives

Two managers were debating on how to set performance objectives for their teams.

Manager A. "I want to get the maximum performance out of my team; so, I set my expectations very high realizing that only a very few of my team members will be able to reach them.If I set objectives too low, my team members will come to believe that I'm willing to accept less than what they can perform. I'm aware that people may get frustrated, but I want them to know that I expect their very best at all times.

Manager B. I also want to get maximum performance out of my team, but I think setting objectives so high that only a few will be able to attain them will cause many team members to be disengaged. I strive to set expectations at a level that 80% of my team members will be able to reach if they apply themselves. When we regularly achieve our objectives 95% of the time, I raise the bar to a higher level.