I received some great feedback about my “measuring” post. Thank you.
The feedback identified the importance of measuring the “right” thing – the varsity level of the concept. For example, if you want to lose weight, and you choose to measure the mpg of your car, mpg of your car will improve – I guarantee it. What does that mean to your waistline?
Introducing the “King Nacho” concept.
You are sharing a plate of nachos with friends. There is always that one nacho that when you attempt to pull it from the pile, it brings the entire heap of cheese and nachos with it. This the “King Nacho”
The golden ring of measuring for improvement is to identify the “King Nacho” of your goal. Easy? No. Powerful? YES!
Multiple organizational changes, metrics, and measurements lead to frustration, confusion, and unnecessary complexity, which then lead to reduced performance and productivity.
In a “turnaround” context (personally or professionally), careful observation, brutal honesty, and an open mind, will lead you to the “King Nacho” . . . the one metric that when you measure and improve it, other areas will naturally improve as well.
Beware – “King Nachos” are rarely obvious.
For a great example of a successful “King Nacho” story. Read about Paul O’Neill’s time as CEO at Alcoa, here: http://bit.ly/1BCai8B
