Our ability to measure is the first step to progress. When we create a measurement, our first implementation provides a benchmark. This allows for testing, monitoring and improvement. It offers opportunities for incremental change.
With quantifiable data, we set targets, create roadmaps and improve over time.
Some data does not lend itself to quantity. The questions change from a quantity to a determination of possession or existence. We do not ask how happy you are. We ask, “Are you happy?” It’s a yes or no question. Is it thumbs up or thumbs down? Does it exist or doesn’t it?
In these cases, we measure perception. Perception is not a metric of existence or size, but of awareness and experience. Both are lagging indicators of quality.
It’s hard to learn from what you do not measure. Anything worth doing is worth finding a way to measure.
