You Mind What your Measure

It never ceases to amaze me how little organizations take the time to measure those change activities they put into place and then wonder why it fails in the end. I really believe that if organizations took the time to measure change and show the participants of that change (willing or otherwise) the trend lines it creates, it would increase participation exponentially. I have seen it with my own two eyes!

I am not saying that when we measure we will always experience a successful outcome – that would be very Pollyannaish of me. Sometimes we see a decline and a potential for failure in what we measure. However, data is data, and it is all good data from the systems thinking perspective. If that data shows a decline, it gives the organization a chance to regroup, make the necessary adjustments, and try again.

How should the organization measure? What instruments should be used to measure change? I would say it depends on what the organization is looking for in their results. The instruments can be as complicated as a Business Impact and ROI analysis, or as simple as a sign on the wall measuring amount of increased productivity or a decrease in accidents.

The reward for measuring and sharing those measures with those involved from the c-suite to the field and manufacturing floor is a potential for greater success (i.e. increased productivity, increased quality, greater customer satisfaction, and an increase to the bottom line). All because the organization took the time to mind what it measures.