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If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it

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Sayers Solutions has found in conversations with small businesses, that if most don’t set goals or objectives, then none measure their activity.

They instead, are too busy doing the next task or implementing the next tactic.

Peter Drucker, the man who invented modern business management, is often quoted to have said “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”

There are numerous metrics that can be used to measure activity.  For example, number of and/or value of sales/enquiries, website views, clicks etc.  However, there are some activities that metrics cannot provide relevant measurements for, or if they do, they are not meaningful and don’t portray the full picture.  And so, do not equip you with the knowledge of how you can make improvements.

Reflective Statement

An exercise we suggest and use with our clients, as well as our own activity, is a reflective statement – picked up from University days.

This takes you through a cycle, asking you to review the activity, resulting in points to consider for next time.

It should be possible to start at any point and (if I remember correctly) is matched according to learning styles.  The way Sayers Solutions suggests to use it is by answering these 4 questions in order.

Sayers Solutions Reflective Learning Circle

  • What did you do?

  • How did you feel about it?

  • What did you learn?

  • What would you do differently next time?

We find this an invaluable tool, which helps us to understand the activity, the impact and the improvements that can be made in the future.  With the added bonus of the results being more meaningful than figures and your typical KPI’s.

If you would be interested in receiving a template of this model and to find out how you can apply it in your business, please complete this form.

What measurements do you use to gauge your success and make improvements?

Are you concentrated on metrics? If so, which ones are the most constructive for you?

We’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to pick up the phone and give us a call or Contact us.