Which characteristic is crucial for defining an excellent "short-term win" in change efforts?

Focusing on a characteristic that is crucial for defining an excellent "short-term win" in change efforts, the clear relationship of the win to the change effort is essential. When a short-term win is directly related to the overarching goals of the change initiative, it provides tangible evidence of progress. This connection reinforces the purpose of the change, motivates team members, and builds momentum.

By achieving a win that is explicitly tied to the core objectives of the change effort, stakeholders and participants are more likely to recognize its importance and value, thereby increasing their engagement and support for the ongoing efforts. This clarity helps to foster a culture of success and highlights the positive outcomes of adopting new practices or processes.

In contrast, characteristics like costliness, complexity, or spontaneity do not contribute to defining a short-term win effectively. A costly implementation could deter participation, lengthy processes may lead to frustration or fatigue, and spontaneous wins may lack the necessary structure and alignment with the change goals. Therefore, the direct connection to the change effort makes it a defining feature of a productive short-term win.