The DNA of change

An organization needs a balanced set of metrics that it can use for analysis, planning and celebration. These metrics should give the leadership team a comprehensive view of how well the organization is performing on its priorities. In addition, there need to be some leading or predictive metrics they can use to better see the future. You can’t lead an organization by always looking in the rear view mirror. While many organizations have metrics, they often don’t do anything meaningful with them. For each measure there should be a process for receiving feedback, setting goals, creating plans and reviewing progress. The absence of any of these components leads to stalled progress. Measurement is merely a tool to start a discussion. Without the discussion, the measurement is meaningless. Without a plan, the discussion is meaningless.