A baseline provides value by creating what?

A baseline is fundamentally a standard for evaluating success. It represents an initial set of data or benchmarks that can be compared against in order to assess progress or the effectiveness of particular strategies or initiatives. By establishing a baseline, organizations gain a clear point of reference that helps to measure outcomes and improvements over time.

When you measure success against a baseline, you can clearly identify whether goals have been met, exceeded, or not achieved at all. This empowers managers and teams to make informed decisions, adjust strategies, and allocate resources more effectively. The role of a baseline in facilitating this evaluation process is why it is regarded as such a valuable tool in performance management and continuous improvement efforts.