The document discusses problems with an over-reliance on targets in the public sector and ways to improve the use of targets. It notes that while specific, challenging targets can motivate performance, too many targets can have unintended negative effects. The document advocates taking a more selective approach to targets, clarifying their purpose, and not relying solely on targets for motivation or measurement of success. It proposes different types of targets like aspirations, goals, accountability targets, and benchmarks and suggests getting stakeholder buy-in, proper indicators, and action plans to better utilize targets.