> [!tldr] Goals that leave **no room for [[Ambiguity]]** A B&W Goal is one that leaves **no ambiguity** in whether or not the goal is being met. This is similar to [[Falsifiable Deliverables are Better|Falsifiable Deliverables]]. Black and white goals are usually more extreme than greyscale goals. I've already seen the benefits of this type of goal-setting before I learned a term for them in the source. - "Work out 3.5 days per week" leaves ambiguity. - "Don't miss 2 days in a row" is more concrete. - "Work out every day" is *very* concrete... and may better drive the *actual* desired behavior. > [!example] > BP's drill wells looking for oil in the ground. Their success rate was ~1 in 4 or 1 in 5 drills would end with usable oil. A heavy majority of drills would wend up *dry*. Leadership put in a B&W goal: **No dry drills**. > This removed the ambiguities of "this *might* end up paying out". As a result, their employees found better analytical methods and pushed back on those who looked at drilling like it were gambling. > **Result:** They now have drill success rates at 2 out of 3 drills. This doesn't met the letter of the goal, but it brought about the needed change. **** # More ## Source - [[Switch (book)]]