performance
measurement

Strategies often stumble during implementation. External turbulence compounds the challenges managers face to maintain momentum.

We offer expert guidance in implementation and performance measurement, helping client teams:

  • Define key metrics - a portfolio of quantitative
    and qualitative indicators
  • Align metrics with strategy and logic models
  • Design nimble processes for capturing and
    interpreting key performance data
  • Craft simple, powerful dashboards to
    monitor and communicate results
  • Structure feedback loops for exploring implications,
    and improving decision-making
  • Weave performance measurement into the fabric
    of the organization's culture

How do we work?

In the arsenal of weapons organizations deploy to drive implementation, performance metrics are often mentioned, but usually underdeveloped.

Good metrics help organizations understand where they are, what's blocking their progress, and where to focus to accelerate towards their strategic goals. We've found that less is more, and that engaging managers in the process is critical: when managers shape metrics and define targets they are more likely to use them to navigate the challenges of strategic implementation. Our common language and toolkit simplifies communication, and catalyzes decision-making.

For private sector clients, metrics programs are typically a critical part of the strategy development process. Through our competitive, financial, and organizational assessments,
we identify a small set of metrics that matter. We refine them, collaborating closely with
senior managers and the Board, as goals, strategies, and resource allocation priorities
are crystallized. [ more + ]

Our objective: to bring to life a concise portfolio of key quantitative and qualitative
metrics that are:
- balanced
- strategically-aligned
- measurable
- meaningful: the best indicators are intuitively accessible ones that can trigger strategic action

For philanthropic and non-profit clients, we start our measurement programs with logic chains, which help clarify program/strategy goals, primary pathways, sequencing priorities, and interdependencies. [ more + ]

We help teams make critical distinctions between inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
Once logic chains are delineated, we continue to work collaboratively to:
- define and refine categories of expected results, and targets for success over time
- identify resource requirements and allocation priorities, so that metrics targets
  are realistic
- optimize methods and instruments for capturing results, including grantee interviews/data
  review, surveys, public data sources, independent outcomes/impact evaluations
- forge a process for interpreting and sharing results, to maximize impact

Typical deliverables from performance measurement programs include:
- a concise set of strategic performance metrics, linked to strategy (and logic chains) and
  resource allocation
- dashboards or scorecards that portray baselines, targets, and results over time
- a common language, clear roles, and practical processes for data collection, monitoring, and
  interpreting results.

For more information about our approach with private sector clients, see the articles:

metrics that matter