By the Numbers
Just a little over 450 words … less than 2 minutes read … including encouragement to not lose your mind!
Summer is for time off, lemonade by the pool and according to the group of executive pastors I host each week, a time to think about key performance indicators and metrics dashboards, I know … not where you thought I was headed, but it is executive pastors of whom I speak. Most of them eat spreadsheets for breakfast.
On our call last week, we had a round of show and tell with some great sample dashboards and even more importantly good discussion around the why beyond their use. Following are 6 key takeaways from the conversation:
What does it mean?
Don’t always take your number at face value. Have you taken account for context and variables?
Are the measures directionally correct?
This is always the best starting point and the answer provides insight for the next two questions to be asked.
So what?
Once you know what the measure means and the direction it is headed, what are the implications?
Now what?
Now you have to determine what, if anything, you are going to do about it. This goes for measures that are headed in the right direction, those headed in the wrong direction and those that are status quo. The “now what” will always be impacted by impact and the resources required to add fuel to what’s working or fixing what’s not.
Keep it visual.
We all know that a picture paints a thousand words and in the world of data, it makes it accessible and digestible for the end user who doesn’t eat spreadsheets for lunch.
Rhythm and Discipline.
Regular review of metrics and discipline to determine what to focus on now and what needs to be delayed until later are key. In fact they are instrumental as it relates to the final takeaway.
Don’t lose your mind.
Numbers are numbers. They are best employed in creating discussion and they are most always destructive when used in isolation to determine “success.”
Speaking of the last two takeaways - rhythm and discipline and not losing your mind - consider making plans to join with a group of other leaders of growing churches this fall for a one-year experience that includes a mixture of in person gatherings, video resource calls, personal and professional coaching and access to some of the most innovative senior leaders as mentors.
The next Leadwell Cohorts are forming now including senior pastors (under 40), senior pastors finishing well (55+) and executive pastors. Each cohort is limited to 12 leaders and each are over half way full. If you are interested in an invitation for a spot, email me at greg@ligongroup.com or select a time to talk that works for you here. Note that registrations paid in full by July 30 will be discounted $500.
Email me your innovation experiments and stories at greg@ligongroup.com.