Definition

A predetermined target or limit assigned to something, whether it's sales numbers to hit or immigration caps to enforce. It's management's way of turning vague goals into specific numbers that someone will definitely miss. The corporate world's favorite tool for creating both motivation and anxiety in equal measure.

Example Usage

Each sales rep was given a quarterly quota of $500K, with bonuses kicking in only after exceeding 110% of target.

Source: Common business terminology

Related Terms

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loaded mile

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pebblin'

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business as usual

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inertia

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