We set goals to measure activities that have many variables. We use standards to measure those things that happen over and over again. Standards are generally the benchmark we use to measure how well we are doing in routine activities like making beds, answering the telephone, or preparing error-free invoices.

Employees must know the standards that have been developed for their position so that they know what they must do to meet the standards, and what it looks like to exceed. Standards are always developed for the position, not for the person who is in that position.