There is a lot of focus on why we should measure performance. But are the consequences of having no KPIs, metrics or measures really all that bad? (more…)

Many KPI initiatives fail because perfection gets in the way. For successful KPI progress, use the 80% rule to be practical, not perfect. (more…)

We can't improve performance when we think KPIs are about success or failure, because it makes it a threat. Stoicism makes KPIs about curiosity and learning. (more…)

There are too many examples of performance measures resulting in resentment, gaming, and even illegal behaviour. Why do we need KPIs? Or can we manage without them? (more…)

KPIs and performance measures are misunderstood and misused, mostly because they are not consistently defined. Here is a clear and practical definition of what KPIs and performance measures are. (more…)

Is it even possible to measure the impact of measurement? And if we could, why would we bother? (more…)

A perceived lack of data - or lack of data with reasonable quality - is a constraint that stops many people from even trying to develop meaningful performance measures. That sounds logical enough, but it assumes that value of measurement only comes at the end of the process. What if you measured without data?

Recently I was listening to a radio program that interviewed two opposing representatives on the issue of regulating the trucking industry by fixing minimum wages for drivers. The idea was to improve safety on our roads. Rather than who was right and who was wrong, what interested me was the constraint that the 'opposition dynamic' put on finding a good solution.

One objection to measuring performance with KPIs is that we don't need them; we can already see what's going on by walking around, by our past experience, by our wise intuition, by what people complain about. But our human limitations make these observations inherently biased.

It's the week of Christmas and so I don't want to be too heavy and serious. So if you feel inclined to lightly ponder, let me share with you what measuring performance is going to mean for me in 2016. (more&h...