Define goals and measures

Start by deciding what you want the business to achieve and which results will show meaningful progress. Depending on your priorities, this might include stronger profitability, sufficient cash, more completed customer orders, or more reliable delivery.

Record your current performance, set targets, and agree on a timeframe so you have a clear starting point for comparison. Make sure the team understands these goals and how its work contributes to them.

Assess proposed improvements by their effect on the business as a whole, including whether a gain in one area creates problems elsewhere. This gives you a practical basis for choosing what to improve first.