Let’s say your organization has already begun using a Baldrige-based approach to self-assessment. For example, your senior leaders have completed the organizational profile, reviewed the guidelines that make up the scoring system of the Criteria for Performance Excellence, and developed responses to all seven criteria categories. Your organization is probably ready now to conduct a full Baldrige self-assessment.

Below are seven steps toward developing responses to the individual questions in all seven categories of the criteria—leadership; strategic planning; customer focus; measurement, analysis, and knowledge management; workforce focus; operations focus; and results:

 …