Put a Number on It

"What is not measured cannot be improved. What is not improved always deteriorates." This quote, attributed to British physicist and mathematician William Thomson Kelvin, underscores a fundamental truth: measurement and evaluation are essential steps in any process of continuous improvement.​

This past November, I had the privilege of participating in a genuine exercise in improvement with the leadership team of Campus Gutenberg at the Evangelical University of Paraguay. The dedication and commitment shown in reviewing and updating their strategic map and annual the operational plan was exemplary.
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While analyzing the Strategic Map, we noted that the objectives were clearly stated but lacked a critical component: quantitative indicators. Without these, it is impossible to determine with certainty whether objectives have been achieved or how much progress has been made. Despite the decisions made and the actions implemented, there was no concrete data to back up the results. Numbers allow us to set goals, monitor progress, and celebrate achievements.

In an intense four-hour session, we defined impact indicators for each strategic objective and specific quantitative targets. The team is now better equipped to plan the necessary actions to achieve these objectives. Moreover, they will be able to clearly communicate the outcomes of their efforts, adjust strategies when actions are not yielding results, and celebrate when the numbers confirm they are on the right track or even when they have reached their proposed goals.

Put a number on it. Numbers ground us in reality, provide dimensions to our aspirations, and help us gauge whether our vision is too conservative or overly ambitious. They allow us to know whether we are progressing, standing still, or moving backward, as Kelvin would say.

While stories, anecdotes, and perceptions are valuable tools for tracking progress, we should consider the power of numbers as a key measurement tool. Numbers bring clarity and objectivity to any improvement process.

• What needs improvement and, therefore, measurement?
• What do you need to "put a number on"?

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Let us celebrate what has been accomplished in 2024 and move forward with faith and purpose to define the numbers that will mark our success in 2025!

By Alfredo Umaña