Measure with Purpose, Manage with Impact

Mikki Teneyuca
Aug 21
2 min read

“What gets measured, gets managed.” – Peter Drucker

Why Measurement Matters

Measurement creates focus. When you define what you’ll track, you’re essentially saying: this is important. The act of measuring shines a light on priorities and holds us accountable. Without measurement, effort can scatter. With it, teams and individuals align on what matters most.

But measurement is not neutral, it shapes behavior. That’s why choosing the right metrics is so important.

The Danger of the Wrong Metrics

Not all metrics are created equal. Wrong or inaccurate measurements can mislead, distract, and even incentivize the wrong actions. For example:

A business focused only on short-term revenue might miss warning signs in customer retention.
A team that tracks hours worked might confuse effort with impact.
An individual who measures success by effort alone may stay busy, but the real breakthrough comes from measuring progress that creates impact.

The wrong metrics create a false sense of progress.

How to Choose the Right Metrics

So, how do you identify what to measure? A few guiding principles:

Align with goals: Start with your vision or strategy. What outcome are you trying to achieve? Metrics should connect directly to those priorities.
Balance leading and lagging indicators: Revenue is a lagging indicator. Customer satisfaction is often a leading one. Track both to see not just results, but the drivers of those results.
Keep it simple: A handful of clear metrics beats a dashboard of noise. Too many measures dilute focus.
Make it meaningful: Metrics should motivate action. If a number changes, will it spark a decision or behavior shift? If not, it may not be worth tracking.

Turning Measurement into Momentum

Metrics are not just for reporting, they are for guiding. The real power comes when you review them consistently, ask the tough questions, and make adjustments.

When you measure what matters, you don’t just capture data, you create direction, energy, and accountability. You move what matters.

Question for YOU to think about:

What metrics are you using today that truly move you and your team closer to your organizational goals?