Paine describes counting as simply adding things up and getting a total. As for measurement involves much more than that. She describes measurement as follows:
- Taking the totals (from counting) analyzing what they mean
- Using the meaning to improve business practices
- Provides the data necessary to make sound decisions
- Helps set priorities, allocate resources, and make choices
- Without it
- hunches and gut feelings prevail
- mistakes get made and no one learns from them
- It helps Allocate Budget and Staff
- Gain a better understanding of the Competition
- a company needs to know how they "stack up against' rivals
- measurement gives insight into competitive strengths and weaknesses
- Strategic Planning
- Measurement Gets Everyone to Agree on a Desired Outcome
- a company can't decide what form a measurement program is going to take without an agreed set of goals
- that reason alone maybe a reason to start measuring
- Measurement Reveals Strengths and Weaknesses
- can compare data to see what strategy works best in certain situations
- Measurement Gives a Reason to say "No"
- making decisions base on your gut rather than data leads to an overworked staff and unclear priorities
- data on results of previous programs, frequently gain the leverage needed to turn down requests that will be a waste of time or resources
After reading, it seems as if I never realized the number of things that could be measured, what should be measured, and how those measurements could affect an organization. I found myself falling into some of the myths that Katie pointed out. For example, #2 focuses on the idea that measurement will create more work for employees. It seems reasonable, but if a company doesn't measure or keep track of a budget that is where more work comes in.
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