Statistics Don't Lie - do they?

Week One Run and Done #42for42

Thank you to everyone who has already donated to my fundraiser for Live Learn Survive. Here's some proof that I've started well and have just over 30kms to run over the rest of May to hit my target.

When I look at my running stats each day I couldn't help thinking how they were informative and deceptive at the same time.

At first glance, Sunday's run looks like I completed 3kms in under 20 minutes

What does that imply to you?

Would you think differently if I told you that I do an interval approach - that is I walk a bit then run a bit.

The tracker is turned on when I am running and paused when I'm walking (resting from the run)

I'm not fit enough yet to run 3kms in one go - but I am working on it.

It got me thinking about what workplace measures might also need rethinking.

Is the evidence or data that you are gathering about results truly meaningful?

For me, the goal is distance run and nothing to do with time or whether it's an interrupted distance. Therefore the image is accurate and tracking what I want to measure. However, there are a couple of questions that need to be asked:

• are the people seeing that image aware of my goals and approach?
• what incorrect impressions could this image create?

In terms of leadership and workplace measures it's important to:

• make sure that the evidence and data is truly consistent with and accurately reflecting the goal
• ensure that any assumptions and expectations are clearly stated and shared/agreed on
• make sure that the goal is the right one - include what and how things are done

Some examples that come to mind:

• total sales value rather than timing of sales (it's a cash flow thing)
• service delivery compared to quality of service
• volume of foreign exchange trading - rather than profitable exchange trading
• managing costs compared to return on investment

If you find any measures that may be a little less ideal than you hoped, feel free to share them. If we can all share the lessons we've learned it'll help leadership be easier and our workplaces to be better.