Performance Consulting: Applying Performance Improvement in Human Resource Development

Chapter Six

Gap Clarification

Taesung Kim

Opening Vignette

A worker's job performance is acceptable, but he would like to improve. He sets a reasonable goal and estimates how far away from it he is. At the same time, another worker who is outstanding wants to achieve even more. She seeks new challenges, envisions the strategies and consequences, and moves toward them.

In business, leaders in some organizations are desperate to find solutions that will keep them solvent or achieve goals for the quarter or for the year, while those in other companies seek ways to achieve breakthrough competitive success. In both cases, organizational leaders tend to start with the question: “What's the problem?” or “Where's the opportunity?” prior to taking action. ...