If You’re Not Measuring It…

‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance of measuring in order to monitor performance and ultimately improve results.’

Have you ever heard the saying, “If you’re not measuring it, you’re not managing it?” There’s quite a bit of truth in it. For instance, one of the phenomena that we are experiencing on a mass scale right now is what’s going on in health and wellness, especially with the wearable devices. Whether it’s a Fitbit, a Whoop Band, an Oura Ring or whatever, so many people are now measuring very basic aspects of their fitness levels – steps, sleep, heart rate variability and much more. And in so doing, there is a natural human tendency – once knowing what these levels are – to want to take actions to improve or optimize these various metrics. For instance, I ordered and started using the Whoop band a couple weeks ago, and not surprisingly with my newfound awareness, I’m being much more intentional in how I think about my rest and recovery after workouts, my sleep patterns and more. In finance, the importance of measurement is evident in budgeting and tracking expenses. Without a clear picture of income and expenditures, it's nearly impossible to manage your finances effectively. For example, people who routinely monitor their spending habits are often more aware of where their money is going and can make informed decisions. Those who track their monthly expenses can identify unnecessary subscriptions or impulse purchases that could be eliminated to save for future goals, such as a vacation or retirement. By measuring their financial health, they feel empowered to make proactive changes, leading to better savings rates and reduced debt, ultimately fostering a sense of financial security. Similarly, businesses thrive when they implement measurement systems to gauge performance. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide critical insights into various aspects of a company's operations, from sales and marketing effectiveness to employee productivity. For instance, a retail company that measures sales per square foot can evaluate the efficiency of its store layouts and product placements. As a result, management can make data-driven decisions to optimize space usage and enhance customer experiences. By regularly assessing these metrics, businesses create an environment where continuous improvement is the norm, driving growth and profitability. Measurement not only aids in management but also instills discipline. When personal health metrics are laid out, people are more likely to stick to their fitness regimens, as the tangible evidence of progress serves as motivation. For instance, a person might start with a goal of walking 10,000 steps a day, measuring their progress through a fitness app. As they reach and surpass their targets, they become more committed to maintaining their activity level. This sense of discipline extends to other areas, too, like business performance, where regular evaluations can help teams stay focused on their objectives and adjust strategies swiftly if results deviate from expectations. Ultimately, measuring outcomes leads to improved results across various domains. By operating in an environment filled with benchmarks and data, both individuals and organizations can make more informed decisions. For instance, a company that measures customer satisfaction scores can quickly identify areas needing attention, allowing them to respond effectively to customer concerns and enhance loyalty. In personal health, individuals who track their sleep cycles can determine what factors contribute to better rest, leading to overall improved well-being. In each case, measurement becomes a powerful tool for accountability and growth, providing crucial checkpoints and reinforcing the discipline required to achieve lasting success. So, please go forth and measure. I think you’ll be very pleased by the results you can achieve!

This week we are delighted to highlight an inspirational thought leader in the concept and application of measuring and managing, John Doerr. In every thriving business, bustling main street, or revitalized small town, there’s a shared ingredient: someone, somewhere, is measuring what matters. Few people have shaped this idea more powerfully than John Doerr. An iconic venture capitalist, early investor in companies like Google and Amazon, and the author of the bestselling book Measure What Matters, Doerr has spent his career asking one simple but profound question: What are we trying to achieve—and how will we know when we’ve succeeded? In his book, Doerr introduces the OKR system—Objectives and Key Results—a framework that has transformed startups into titans and helped teams around the world focus on what really drives progress. The premise is deceptively simple: set clear objectives, pair them with measurable results, and track them consistently. When we measure the right things, we make the right things better. But Doerr’s legacy goes far beyond boardrooms and tech campuses. He’s a values-driven leader whose philanthropic efforts are as ambitious as his business pursuits. He has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to climate solutions, education, and public health. In 2022, he and his wife Ann committed $1.1 billion to Stanford University to launch the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability—an unprecedented investment in tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. He has also been a tireless advocate for civic tech and evidence-based policy, believing that governments and communities can work better if they’re measuring what truly improves lives. John Doerr’s story reminds us of a core truth: What we measure, we manage. What we manage, we improve. And what we improve, we can pass on—stronger, smarter, and more sustainable. In our small towns and communities, this lesson is gold. Whether it’s tracking high school graduation rates, monitoring local business growth, or simply setting goals for your family or organization—clarity fuels change. Doerr’s message is clear and empowering: Set the goal. Measure it. Manage it. Transform it. And with every thoughtful donation, every data-backed innovation, and every story told through his words, he’s made something else clear too—measuring what matters isn’t just about metrics. It’s about people.

Quote of the Week

"What gets measured gets managed." – Peter Drucker

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