Promote", "Support", "Coordinate", "Educate", "Meet with", "Attend", etc. are commonly used in goal setting, and they're all great examples of verbs that require clarification. "Attend the XYZ meeting", for instance, is an activity, not an outcome.

To get real results, employers must clarify verbs, by asking the "why" question says Francie Dalton of Dalton Alliances, Inc.

Why are you attending the XYZ meeting? Is it to repair a damaged relationship with another attendee? To develop a specific new relationship? To get your comments on the record? To monitor the opposition? Each of these is more outcome oriented than "attend". Also, be alert to how long it takes you to answer the initial "why" question; if the answer isn't immediately clear, perhaps the activity should be eliminated!

Dalton suggests that you find a goal you've assigned to someone, locate the verb, and start asking "why" you want that "verb" done in the first place. Be prepared to ask "why" several times before the higher purpose is revealed.

Purpose of asking "Why"

1. To reveal higher purpose

2. To differentiate what is to be done from how it is to be done

3. To reveal objectives

4. To validate/invalidate the need for the activity

5. To access the discretionary energy of those involved by keeping them plugged into the higher purpose

Tip: Asking "So what?", "Who cares" or even applying the FIB question to a verb can further augment the "why" question in revealing higher purpose

Want to accelerate the use of EBPMs in your organization? Visit http://www.daltonalliances.com for more information about our EBPM offerings Or call Dalton at 800.442.3603 to bring EBPM to your organization.