Target conditions provide a desired pattern of work and metrics for improvement beyond an individual's current knowledge. They are written as if the desired condition already exists using language like "if these conditions exist" rather than "increase" or "improve". An effective target condition consists of a specific achievement date within 2 weeks and outlines a desired pattern of work, process characteristics, process metric, and outcome metric that logically relate and can be measured. The target condition creates an "if/then" scenario to focus improvement efforts towards achieving specific outcomes within a set timeframe.

1. Target Condition
Kata Burst by Beth Carrington
PDCA 4.0 10132021
Not just a Target, but a Target Condition; metrics yes,
but with a desired pattern of work, aka desired
operating pattern.
Adapted from Mike Rother’s Toyota Kata materials and over a decade of Kata practice and coaching
Target Conditions (TCs) Tips and Tricks
• TCs are beyond the learner’s Threshold of Knowledge, not just
something to go implement
• TCs are written as if the condition already exists, no words like
increase, decrease or improve
• TCs’ achieve by date should be close in terms of time, ideally just 2
weeks for daily kata practice
A fully defined Target Condition consists of a specific
achieve by date and 4 elements which creates an
if/then scenario
If these conditions exist
1 Desired Pattern of Work
Desired steps, sequence and times of a process
or work flow
2 Process Characteristics
New or unique feature or element required for the
desired pattern of work, what will we see
3 Process Metric
An in-the-moment measure, listed as a value the
learner predicts will be achieved. This should
mathematically/logically relate to Outcome
Metric
Then this outcome(s) is predicted
4 Outcome Metric
A lagging measure, listed as a value the learner
predicts the desired pattern and process metric
will achieve. Typically in the same unit of
measure or metric as the Challenge (Strategic
Initiative, Business Imperative, Goal or Objective)
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
10 min 50 min 120 min 30 min 30 min
Total 210 min
Challenge
6 months to 3 years
List Obstacles
Focus Process
Target Condition
2 weeks preferred
Choose One
Ever changing
Current Condition
Daily
P
A D
C
Threshold of
Knowledge
Vision
Decades