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KPIs are like a compass for a business, guiding it in the direction of its goals and objectives.
Bernard Mar
I’ve been a data Deacon, data evangelist analyst, quality improvement analyst, transforming into a lean change agent, keynote speaker, Thought coach, to a continuous improvement coach. I have over a decade in healthcare in and slowly learning more about my current profession, the utility industry. Specifically transmission and distribution business applications on the electric operations side.
That was a mouthful in a super high level of my timeline and progression in my career from data to data driven insights to using lean six sigma to drive waste elimination and reduce defects, process improvement coaching, coaching others to become the coach. Yes I’m one of those guys, remember That 70’s Show when he asked his dad, what do you do? Kind of sound like the Bobs from office space? Click the links to see a snippet and watch the movie or episode. Nonetheless, back to the topic.
Key Performance Indicators , Key Performance Anxiety
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are indispensable metrics utilized to measure and evaluate organizational performance and progress. Most KPIs, when utilized optimally, provide an objective and empirical basis for performance evaluation, comparison, and improvement. As a Continuous Improvement Coach I’ve learned the implementation of KPIs can often lead to anxiety and fear of failure for individuals who have never been measured before or are currently being measured at a level that is concerning to them.
Why is it concerning to them? Why shouldn’t it be, what if it’s a legacy organization and a legacy process that doesn’t include performance or process metrics? what if the company has so many employees that it’s hard to get the same conversation out to them because everything becomes the telephone game or email changes the narrative based on others perceptions of knowing how to do things better than others will have never done it before. Pseudo-intellectuals and narcissists.
What if it’s always been what was and is, outcome driven? If you haven’t read the book clarity by Karen Martin, or visited her website, her blog her YouTube information or slide decks look her up. She stated in her book “Clarity” something that has always stuck with me being. From being a quality improvement analyst to the natural progression of a continuous improvement coach. Is it documented? Current followed measured and continuously improved. (Martin, K. (2018). Clarity First
Let’s explores the issue of key performance anxiety versus improvement, delving into the pros and cons of KPIs while also presenting strategies to cope with the anxiety that may accompany KPI utilization. You may find value, you may not find value, however you will later think about what you read here today at Coach Kenny’s.
Implementing KPIs
The implementation of KPIs is associated with several advantages that promote organizational performance and effectiveness. If you’re familiar it, or have been in the field of measuring improvement or performance or indicators in general, that’s a common general statement when referencing implement and KPIs.
KPIs enable businesses to identify areas of opportunity and focus on key performance drivers to achieve set targets and goals. Additionally, KPIs provide a reliable framework for comparison and benchmarking, allowing businesses to evaluate their performance against industry standards and best practices. KPIs also foster accountability, transparency, and alignment of employee performance with organizational goals, which are vital ingredients for growth and success.
Something I would advise and not criticize. Consult and not just insult. When you add benchmarking, setting targets or thresholds. Do some research or discuss with other “like” companies or organizations. Don’t be afraid to compare yourself or have a conversation about comparison, and what they do compared to what you do. Be sure they are like comparisons. Meaning size of the company, number of customers number of products, number of employees. Lastly, make sure they define their metrics in the same context to the content, when you have those conversations.
Define and document internal targets, align them with the company’s mission, vision, and plans, and discuss them with upper leadership. Consider regulatory requirements and prioritize and monetize goals to ensure alignment and avoid surprises when seeking annual bonuses.
Despite these benefits that come from KPIs, we can create anxiety and fear of failure for individuals who are not familiar with their use. KPIs may also lead to feelings of being judged, compared, or even discriminated against, leading to diminished morale and productivity. Moreover, KPIs may create confusion and frustration when they are overly complex or not communicated effectively, leading to erroneous conclusions and wasted resources. Communication of the metrics and methods to support the front operations ability to understand them is crucial! Let your data tell the story from the process owner’s understanding, not your measures or indicators.
To manage the anxiety that may accompany KPI implementation, it is essential to have adoption strategies that promote a culture of continuous improvement. One specific strategy involves providing training and development opportunities that educate employees on the purpose, use, and interpretation of KPIs. By establishing understanding and proficiency of KPIs, employees will feel empowered to utilize KPIs effectively and improve their performance.
Furthermore, I believe organizations should consider to adopt a coaching and mentoring approach that supports and encourages employees to learn from their mistakes and use feedback constructively to improve their performance. Great book to consider. Measures of success by Mark Graban. As well as Nancy Duarte, DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story
In conclusion, the use of KPIs is an essential tool for promoting performance and progress in organizations. While some KPIs may lead to anxiety and fear of failure, their utilization can also promote a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability. It is therefore vital to develop adoption strategies that promote understanding and understanding of KPIs while fostering a culture of support and continuous improvement. I believe in my humble opinion, businesses can leverage KPIs as a potent tool for achieving their objectives and enhancing their overall performance.
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Sharing Links to Knowledge
Bi Brainz- Analytics on Fire with Mico Yuk
Katie Anderson – Leading to Learn Podcast (Book)
The Toyota engagement equation (Book)
There is way more than this, however as stated above, a decade in learning, applying, and continuously improving!