We have lots of reasons not to measure performance: not enough time, not enough good data, not enough engagement from colleagues, not enough support from leaders, not enough clarity in our goals, not the right timing, and so on. These are all constraints. But they shouldn't be showstoppers.

To find the right performance measures, we must start with a clear definition of what a performance measure really is. How does your definition compare to this one? (more…...

Vicki N asks "I am on a project to create an 'executive dashboard' of KPIs. An advisory board has been formed to guide this effort. How should I approach this so we don't end up with a laundry list of metrics that are not helpful/needed?"

Beth M. asks: "I have a lot to do everyday - how can you keep on top of KPI's in an efficient and timely way?" (more…)

Darrell U. asks: "What are the definitions of performance measurement terms... metric vs. measure, performance indicator vs. key performance indicator?"

Questions like "Why did you choose that KPI?" and "Why didn't you choose this KPI?" and "What were we thinking?!" shouldn't be answered with "Um, I dunno!"

This case study is a process definition for a Billing Process, adapted from a real freight business. It shows the steps for not only improving a business process, but using the process to identify both Process Result and In-Process measures.

by Mariko Mishiro and Stacey Barr Needless to say, "Action Plans" are very important for every organization. However, when it comes to setting KPIs, "Action without a Clear Goal" is equal to "doing NOTHING" or even wasting your time and resources before you notice.

In the article "Why 8 Weeks For a KPI Project?" I suggested that when you're using a new performance measurement methodology, like the PuMP Blueprint, your first few implementations will have more success if they are quick, focused and allow for unlearning of bad KPI habits.

It's quite easy to underestimate just how much it takes to transform an organisation's approach to performance measurement. There are many set-in bad habits that cause the very problems with performance measurement that people would love to solve.