Are We Really Succeeding?
[New Metrics for Success - I]
People like us that are unwilling to continue in ways like this ask this question monthly, weekly, and sometimes daily.
How do we know?
Hoping things change doesn’t help (in a measurable way).
Wishing it wasn’t the way it is doesn’t help (in the long run).
Lamenting is an important step (but it’s the first step in a long line of steps toward a different future).
As trite as it sounds, the following must happen in sequence. 1) Define success; 2) Quantify a goal as it relates to the definition; and 3) Make a plan—one that can also be measured—to get there.
Getting people in the door is not a success, unless gathering warm bodies is your goal. Verbal commitment isn’t a success unless it is followed up with X action. Spending money, time, energy, and brain power isn’t a success in and of itself.
Outputs aren’t success.
Either are inputs.
Success is the measurement of the difference, a quantity of change. The good news is that you get to choose what exactly the change is, and therefore what success looks like. Now, go measure for it.