In high engagement organizations, we give people responsibility to set their own optimal performance standards together. This is a shared responsibility, never done in isolation. The practice is based on the observation that people are more committed to standards they create more than those imposed on them.
This requires a learning curve. Most people only share standard creating in their personal lives, not at work where standards are imposed. People need to learn how to collaborate in optimal standards.
Optimal standards are those aligned with highest and deepest intentions, enriched by ongoing solicited and received feedback. Interestingly, people often set higher standards for themselves than bosses usually do, especially when bosses are unclear on the passions and strengths of their people.