We want to know we’re succeeding, but too often, we measure our progress by the wrong standards. The feedback received is therefore faulty and misleading. Worse, measuring by the wrong standards leads to a lot of wasted time, effort and resources – all of which are in high demand and usually short supply.

What should a busy owner / leader be measuring and why?

In the world of KPI’s (key performance indicators) there are many that come to mind: cash, AP, AR, sales, and workflow. KPI’s are invaluable for running a successful business. Like the dashboard on a ship, plane, or your car, they are leading indicators, measures of results, that allow for quick course corrections. That’s important – even invaluable when considering where we’ve been.

But where we’ve been and where we’re going are two very different things. I want to know how to measure the inputs, so I can most accurately predict the right outputs (KPI’s). That differentiation gets us to the correct starting point: inputs defined before measuring outputs.

Every flawed, failed or deficient output or result can be traced back to one of two flawed, failed or deficient inputs: 1) commitment, and 2) effort. Why these two virtuous behaviors? In short, commitment and effort create tension and discomfort; things we don’t like or want in our already too chaotic lives and businesses. But living with tension is a necessary discipline where we allow ourselves to be challenged, to think differently, to invite change and solve old problems with new solutions.

The proof? I can live with myself if I know I’ve been fully committed and given my very best effort in every situation, failure or success. With that knowledge, I’ve placed myself in an ongoing posture of continuous improvement, knowing that I can and will get better over time. With full commitment and effort, I’ve transitioned from a simple, straightforward intellectual process to one of a moral nature where I cannot be satisfied if I fail.

No strategy or business plan has real stay power without either of these virtues. And with them, and the right business model (right product and/or service for the right customers), every business is empowered to overcome the mountain of challenges that average companies just can’t withstand and overcome over the test of time.

What’s your plan for sustained and profitable growth? What needs to change? Legacy Business Leaders has the answers you need to help make your leap to self-sustaining success in the home building and remodeling industry.  How can Legacy help accelerate your organization’s growth?  Check out our one or two-day onsite Accelerators. Being together in person creates a dynamic climate for teaching your team how to overcome process and interpersonal waste and set the stage for profitable growth. For more info click here and fill out the form to receive a prompt reply with more details.

Also, feel free to head over to the Legacy website and schedule a no-obligation conversation to find out if coaching could be a good fit and strong ROI for you!  Or check out and download any of the Builder Templates there as well.  We’re here to accelerate your path to growth, optimal profit, and lasting success – results guaranteed!

Wishing you the best! 

Legacy Business Leaders, LLC
Fred Reikowsky, LPBC
fred@legacybizleaders.com
O: 330.470.1300
C: 330.936.2823