2.3.3  Focus on results not activities

One of the principles of management is to make sure that everybody within the organisation has a clear understanding of the goals and objectives, and makes each person aware of their own roles and responsibilities in achieving those objectives. This is commonly called management by objective, which is a systematic and organised approach that allows management to focus on achievable goals (Figure 2.3). Deciding and saying what is to be accomplished is setting an objective (a goal, a purpose or a target). There are many kinds of objectives. For example, you may have an objective that 80% of the pregnant women in your kebele will attend antenatal care and be delivered by Health Extension Practitioners next year.

Figure 2.3  Setting appropriate objectives and activities can help you achieve a health goal. (Photo: Ali Wyllie)