You get what you measure!

I made this observation:

As a Leader, I get what I measure.

If I measure key strokes,

I get more typing activity.

If I measure hours spent at work,

I get people who are longer in office.

If I measure outcomes..

well, I get outcomes!

I have learned that I should rather stay away from meddling and measuring HOW my team does their work in all detail. Instead, I figured out how to define outcomes and trust they will get their ethically.

Here are a few examples how this could sound from a Leader's point of view:

Product Development: Instead of dictating every feature, we focus on the grand goal: a product that excites our clients and makes them recommend us. I empower my team to utilize their creativity and expertise to get there.*

Marketing Campaigns: I avoid micromanaging every campaign detail. I describe an ambitious outcome such as "Among our target group, we are on top of mind for what we offer". I let our marketing team flex their strategic muscles and bring innovative ideas to reach this target.*

Software Development: I don’t need to prescribe every line of code, UI screen, UX detail for an IT project, even though I could. I set a clear outcome like "fewer than 20 bug reports per month” or “users spend 1h a week in the app”. I allow our developers to tap into their technical and creative skills to achieve this.*

Customer Support: I move away from rigid scripts for how my team members should interact with clients. I set the bar high with "build 5 strong human connections per day" or “the connections with our clients are warm and genuine” or “we are seen as a partner and guide first, rather than a sales force”.*

(*In each case, the autonomy you give has to be within certain 'swim lanes'. Certain things are just 'given', i.e. elements of culture, industry regulations, and ethical guidelines. But within these lanes, there should be enough space for creativity, innovation, and individual discretion to flourish.)

I love this concept, because it ties in so brilliantly with the professional-level coaching skills that I work hard to teach. Communicating clear outcomes and then staying out of the way is at the heart of a coaching Leader's approach!

Let's try to measure a lot more what we really want to achieve.

Have a great week ahead.