In a message dated 12/6/2002 11:07:54 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/results-oriented-minneapolis/ Any organization without clear goals is very difficult to evaluate. In many cases, organizations either do not have goals or have poorly defined goals because ambiguity is an intentional strategy to limit accountability. Of course, very large organizations, such as city governments, may have so many goals that, even if the goals are clear, evaluating results/performance can be challenging. The City of Minneapolis is offering an opportunity to comment on a draft of its goals. Our comments can include questions about whether the goals are the best statements of priorities, if they are clear, if there are too many goals, and if the expectations noted in connection with the goals provide adequate guides to whether the goals are being effectively implemented. If so, we can expect every employee of the City of Minneapolis to know which goals he or she is working on, what measures of progress they should use to evaluate their work, and how to directly connect evaluations of progress into better decisions about future actions. Such goals, once refined and adopted, also can provide anyone that wants to assist the City of Minneapolis achieve its goals to work within the same framework. If all those who care about our city, including city employees -- elected, appointed, and civil service -- city residents, and other stakeholders can work together with mutual respect, by engaging in mutual learning, and accepting mutual accountability for results, Minneapolis can only become a better place to live, work, and play. Arthur T. Himmelman, Loring Park |
