Finding the Sweet Spot for Metrics

Finding “Directionally Significant” Measurements

Photo by Dawid Małecki on Unsplash

Metrics and measurements can feel reductive and fail to capture nuance. They often create unintended consequences when implemented poorly — driving behaviors that optimize for the metric rather than the true goal. Conversely, we sometimes overwork metrics because we crave certainty, hoping that more data will somehow reveal the “right” answer rather than simply informing our judgment.

To drive meaningful change and achieve success, you need:

Clear, Well-Calibrated Goals

• Set at the appropriate level of ambition and specificity
• Aligned with your current business reality and strategy
• Realistic and informed by available data and context

Effective Goal Translation

• Cascade goals meaningfully through the organization
• Enable individuals to see their direct contribution at both strategic and tactical levels
• Create line-of-sight from daily work to organizational objectives

Right-Sized Measurement Systems

• Find balance between gut-feel decision-making and metric overload
• Design metrics that inform rather than dictate decisions