What metrics do you need to track as a Business Relationship Manager?

1 Business value

One of the main goals of BRM is to deliver business value through IT initiatives. Business value can be defined as the benefits, outcomes, or results that the business achieves from investing in IT. To measure business value, you need to identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect the business objectives and expectations of your stakeholders. For example, you might track metrics such as revenue growth, customer satisfaction, cost reduction, or innovation. You also need to establish a baseline and a target for each KPI and monitor the progress and impact of your IT projects on them.

2 Relationship maturity

Another key metric for BRM is the relationship maturity between the business and IT. Relationship maturity is the degree of trust, collaboration, and alignment that exists between the two parties. It indicates how well the business and IT understand each other's needs, expectations, and capabilities, and how effectively they work together to achieve common goals. To measure relationship maturity, you can use frameworks such as the BRM Maturity Model, which defines five levels of maturity: ad hoc, order taker, service provider, trusted advisor, and strategic partner. You can also use surveys, interviews, or feedback tools to assess the satisfaction, engagement, and communication of your stakeholders.

3 BRM competencies

A third metric for BRM is your own competencies as a BRM professional. BRM competencies are the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that enable you to perform your role effectively and efficiently. They include technical, business, and interpersonal competencies, such as IT governance, business analysis, strategic thinking, relationship building, communication, and influence. To measure your BRM competencies, you can use self-assessments, peer reviews, or performance appraisals to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. You can also use learning plans, coaching, or mentoring to develop and enhance your competencies.

4 Value realization

A fourth metric for BRM is the value realization of your IT projects. Value realization is the extent to which the expected benefits and outcomes of your IT projects are actually achieved and sustained over time. It shows how well you manage the delivery and adoption of your IT solutions and how well you track and report the results. To measure value realization, you need to define the success criteria and metrics for each IT project and compare them with the actual performance and outcomes. You also need to identify and address any gaps, risks, or issues that might affect the value realization.

5 Stakeholder feedback

A fifth metric for BRM is the stakeholder feedback that you receive from your business partners and IT colleagues. Stakeholder feedback is the input, opinions, or suggestions that they provide to you regarding your BRM role, activities, or performance. It helps you to understand their needs, expectations, and perceptions, and to improve your relationship and collaboration with them. To measure stakeholder feedback, you can use formal or informal methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or online platforms. You can also use feedback to identify and prioritize your improvement actions and to celebrate your achievements and successes.

6 BRM value proposition

A sixth metric for BRM is your BRM value proposition. Your BRM value proposition is the statement that summarizes the benefits and outcomes that you deliver to your business partners and IT colleagues as a BRM. It communicates your purpose, vision, and goals as a BRM and how you add value to the organization. To measure your BRM value proposition, you need to define and articulate it clearly and concisely. You also need to validate and communicate it to your stakeholders and to align it with their needs and expectations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?