The Case for Measuring Performance

If you or your managers are reluctant to measure performance, you’re not alone. No one that I know has ever said “woo hoo, performance management time!” There are many reasons for this reluctance but the primary one is an underlying fear that hard conversations may need to be had.

Many organizations hesitate to dive into the complexities of tracking employee output, fearing it might feel too rigid or demotivating. But here’s the truth: not measuring performance is a missed opportunity. Without clear insights into how individuals and teams are contributing, it becomes difficult to drive meaningful growth, foster engagement, or even understand what’s working and what’s not.

Here are my top 3 reasons for recommending that organizations implement performance measurement:

1.?????? No Performance Management:? Huh? Yes, if you start measuring employees’ performance during the probationary period and carry on after, you are far less likely to be required to have to implement performance management.? You won’t need a Performance Improvement Process because you will be able to pick up and correct things before they become an “issue”.? Thus eliminating the need for formal performance management most of the time.?

2.?????? Ensures that individuals are focusing on the organizational needle movers:? If you are not sure how and where your employees are spending their time, how will you know if they are actually putting their efforts towards driving the organizational goals forward?? They may be working hard and doing good work, but it may not be important to greater organization.? Their efforts are best spent on things that are in line with the organization’s goals.?

3.?????? Clarity and momentum:? When you measure performance, you're shining a light on what's working and what's not. This clarity allows you to make informed decisions and adjustments in real-time, rather than reacting to problems after they've grown. It's like having a compass that constantly guides you toward your goals. High performers are relentless about this and it is a habit that propels them forward, helping them achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently.

By regularly evaluating performance, you build a culture of accountability and excellence. This proactive approach not only helps individuals grow but also elevates the entire team or organization.

Brendan Burchard, one of the world’s leading high performance coaches, has a core beliefs is that you can't improve what you don't measure. When you measure your progress, you gain insights that guide you toward your goals. It's about knowing your numbers and having those metrics that allow you to make informed decisions.