Guessing is not a strategy: How to build decision velocity with AI and real-time data
June 10, 2026 | Live Webinar
The Right Stuff: Measuring What Counts
In a recent article, I wrote about the power of simplicity, engagement and trust. I commented that if we spent more time helping people by ensuring they had the right systems, tools and training--and less time measuring them and monitoring them--we’d be more likely achieve the results we’re after. Quite simply, people get demoralized by being measured.
Of course, there’s the school of thought that “we get what we measure.” This is a valid argument. Yet, there is a subtle but important difference between measuring outcomes and measuring people. Napoleon once said that there are two levers for moving people: interest and fear. Sure, we can get things done by watching someone’s every move and pointing out their errors. We can also prod them with a hot poker. That doesn’t mean it’s the correct--or the humane--thing to do.
So, what should we measure? Here are five measures that can bring about extraordinary results:
1. Stakeholder Satisfaction: This should be done on an ongoing basis, not just at the end of our project when it’s too late for course correction. If stakeholders do not feel satisfied, or worse yet--aren’t even engaged enough to know if they are satisfied, it’s an early indicator that the project will not be perceived as a success. Unfortunately, on most projects this is done as an …
1. Stakeholder Satisfaction: This should be done on an ongoing basis, not just at the end of our project when it’s too late for course correction. If stakeholders do not feel satisfied, or worse yet--aren’t even engaged enough to know if they are satisfied, it’s an early indicator that the project will not be perceived as a success. Unfortunately, on most projects this is done as an …
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"Things should be made as simple as possible, but not any simpler." - Albert Einstein |