Measure With Purpose

Why Not Jump In?

Starting off by gathering all sorts of metrics might seem tempting. But wait. Jumping in head first can land you in a pool of data that’s both overwhelming and meaningless. It’s not just a best practice; it’s a necessity to know what you’re going to do with your metrics before you start collecting them.

What’s the Risk?

Collecting metrics aimlessly not only dilutes focus but also poses several other risks. Data noise, resource waste, and misguided decision-making can plague your organisation if you’re not careful.

What About GQM?

Basili et al.’s Goal-Question-Metric (GQM) approach can be a life-saver here. It’s a structured approach for defining and interpreting metrics. First, set your goals. Next, ask questions that will help you determine whether your goals are being met. Finally, decide on the metrics that will provide the answers to these questions. GQM offers a disciplined way to ensure that you’re gathering metrics that are both meaningful and actionable.

What Should You Consider?

Before embarking on your metrics journey, contemplate:

1. What are our goals?
2. What questions do we need to answer to reach those goals?
3. Which metrics will help answer these questions?

Don’t accept vague or overly general answers about the purpose of a metric. “We look at them” isn’t good enough.

So, When to Start?

Begin your metrics collection only when you have a well-defined plan in place. Use the GQM approach or a similar framework to give your metrics gathering the focus and purpose it needs.

Will This Approach Really Work?

Yes. Intentionality is key. Knowing what you aim to achieve will help you decide what to measure. That way, you’re not just accumulating data; you’re gathering actionable insights.