Step 3 – Improving Results

With a goal to developing a plan to improve results by building on strengths and improving areas of weakness, the key activities in Step 3 include:

• Define the desired outcome in concrete terms
  • Make it measurable, manageable and realistic
• List ways to change the probable causes and to create the desired improvement using the following methods, as appropriate:
  • Brainstorming
  • Consulting the “Best Practices” of other service providers
  • Discussing possibilities with the MTCU consultant
• Develop a concrete plan with measurable targets, milestones and timelines
  • Start with the formula: Desired outcome – Current Results = Desired Improvement (expressed on a yearly basis)
  • Create Milestones that can be broken down into concrete, measurable and manageable pieces so that you can see progress toward the desired outcome as you move through the year. One method is to divide the Desired Improvement into 4, and express it as quarterly Milestones.
  • Schedule a review of the milestone at the end of each quarter (June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31) or at mid-year
• Create a step by step action plan: select the actions from the choices generated above which have a high probability of achieving the desired outcome
• Document on the Step 3 chart, below
• Circulate the Step 3 chart within the agency to ensure agreement, including the Chair of the Board or agency manager, as appropriate.