How do I get other managers and executives to value and support performance measurement?

Getting your fellow managers and executives to value and support performance measurement is really about getting their buy-in. And because, like you, they are usually savvy decision makers with very little time to give to anything not currently on their radar, your arguments for measurement have to be swift, strong and timely.

Try some of these ideas, to drop into the odd conversation or meeting you have with said managers or executives:

ARTICLE: 13 things you can't do without measures

Measuring performance carries a stigma of being boring, threatening, tedious and difficult to do in a meaningful way. Often these perceptions can be enough to stop people from measuring, and even the clichés like "you can't manage what you don't measure" just don't have enough bite to get people to do it. If you, or any of your colleagues, need some convincing about the benefits of measuring performance, that it is indeed worth the effort, consider these 13 compelling reasons as you think about one of the goals you've struggled to achieve up to now.

RESOURCE: Try a performance measure pilot (not free)

Good decision makers like evidence of success before they commit to something. So why not do a performance measurement pilot project that demonstrates how much performance can improve when it's measured properly? This digital kit (which you can download as soon as you've purchased it) will step you through the process of designing and implementing just a few performance measures for one of your goals. A great way to pilot test a fresh and common sense approach to measuring. Read more about Getting Started With Performance Measures now.

ARTICLE: What Do We Measure and Why?

Margaret Wheatley has many brilliant contributions to make to the world of business, and is known for her work on leadership and systems thinking. But she also has a perspective on performance measurement that I think is spot on - measurement should be about feedback, not reward and motivation. Read her article for tips on reframing how people should think about performance measurement.

TIP: Gather case studies of high performing organisations

It's not likely that an organisation (or human endeavour, for that matter) is super successful without measurement. Think of organisations like Google, Motorola, GE, Virgin and Apple. What are some examples of high performers in your industry or sector? Find their stories and conveniently cross your manager's or executive's path with them.

Want more?

If you'd like more information about stimulating support and buy-in from managers and executives, contact me.

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