Overview
Discussion: This discussion is intended as a level set and to have you look at the current metrics in your respective organizations. We cannot determine where we want to go until we understand where we are today.
This week's discussion is focused on how we have come to a point where there is a fixation with metrics. As Muller argues in The Tyranny of Metrics, the key components of metric fixation are:
- The belief that it is possible and desirable to replace judgment, acquired by personal experience and talent, with numerical indicators of comparative performance based upon standard data (metrics);
- The belief that making such metrics public (transparent) assures that institutions are actually carrying out their purposes (accountability)
Consider your current or a prior organization you've worked for, or have experience with. Do you see these dynamics at play, or does leadership still trust human experience (their gut) to make good decisions? Can you argue against Muller’s more extreme positions? Explain.
Assignment:
You have just been to the Annual Millwork and Customer Building Convention in Las Vegas. After a keynote speech by the CEO of Adams & Beasley, Angus Beasley, you sought out Laura Barnes to get a deeper appreciation for the job security metrics the firm uses. The case, Adams + Beasley Associates (in your Harvard Coursepack), recounts the details of that conversation.
After reviewing the case, prepare a professional-level voice-over PowerPoint or video presentation with slides for your management team that describes:
- The details of A & B’s metrics,
- The benefits they realized, and
- How those metrics could be applied to your organization.
You should have 5 - 15 slides and supporting details in the notes. You can submit a voice-overLinks to an external site. or video presentation Links to an external site. as you prefer. Here is a great resource on How to Create Slides that Suit your SuperiorsLinks to an external site. to review before submitting.