My Problem with Setting Standards

Everyone has an opinion, and everyone’s a critic.

When an organization releases a new standard for measuring success, we instinctively want to call…BS.

We feel this way for a number of reasons: limited inclusion in the decision making process, the new standards don’t match our own, a fear of missing out (they have a special sauce we don’t have).

The truth is, there is nothing wrong with setting or implementing a new standard. But it’s unacceptable to stick a finger in the air, and call it how you see it. This isn’t golf, the winds shouldn’t be changing all that frequently.

Standards need to be based on consistent trends. Within your organization, pick a number of data points and begin establishing a baseline. Are you seeing any correlations in the data? Give it time, and perhaps expand the number of inputs you’re collecting.

When you feel like you’ve collected a statistically relevant data set, do the analysis, and move forward with a simple set of metrics that you can rely on. Sometimes we don’t have the time or capacity to include the entire community in the process. There are instances where it’s okay to lead, and be the gold standard. If you’ve done your research, use the data to silence the skeptics.

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CM Blog
www.collective-metrics.com/blog
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