Measurability of Effort

Why is measurability so difficult?

Maybe the better question for us is why don't we try to measure effort more frequently?

Perhaps the answer to the first question is in the second. Regardless, we all understand intuitively that measurability is important in all factors of life... not just work. This entry is an attempt to challenge our thoughts and foundations for measurability. The methodologies of effective measurability are complex and varied - we'll save those ideas for another entry.

Stewardship
We've all been task with certain assignments and responsibilities. In that tasking there's been given the responsibility to serve that task, supervisor, and business well. But that stewardship goes beyond preventative safety - it must proactively chart and measure the vitals of success. The point here - we are stewards of measurability.

Quantitative
This is a great place to start on an approach to measure the vitals of a project, team, program, etc. Most of us can brainstorm enough to collect the vitals we deem as important. Take those vitals and determine some numerical value to their effort and how to gauge alignment to that vital. The point here - quantitative measure are a easy start point; make these the first part of measurability.

Qualitative
These are more difficult, but they are also typically more important to measure. For example; if I were leading a session on better efficiency in work-life and personal-life then how could I measure life change? We all agree that things like life change and other subjective matters are difficult to measure. But they are not impossible to measure! This is your opportunity to raise above the normal and seek to add value and important to the quality and results of your effort.

My greatest success in this ares has always been in developing these vitals with teams. We rarely see the full perspective, therefore making it vital to have others input. If you do look to measure your efforts, make certain to look at both quantitative and qualitative measures - you and your organization will be better for it. And may I encourage you once again... I don't believe this is something you could do; I believe this is something you should do. This is our responsibility as managers and leaders.

Challenge: Brainstorm with your team what measures might look like and how your might evaluate. You don't have to figure it all out - just give it some thought and try and few things.