© 2007 Scott Degraffenreid
The R.E.A.D. Audit of internal and external metrics is used to determine what company measures are providing clear and actionable feedback. Used rigorously and objectively, this process routinely eliminates 1/2 to 2/3 of existing measures as either unreliable or inefficient.
RESPONSIVE - The measurement reacts quickly, clearly and consistently to the object or event being measured. Any uncertainty or variation in the measurement is known and accounted for. A tachometer would be a classic example of a responsive measurement tool. It reacts almost immediately to input from the accelerator.
EFFICIENT - The measurement has a reasonable “effort-to-outcome-ratio.” It takes less time and effort to collect and apply the data than the time and effort saved by using it. A yardstick, as one example, is more efficient than three (12 inch) rulers for measuring a football field but not for measuring buttons.
APPRECIATED - The measurement is considered necessary for safe, efficient or timely operations. It is welcomed or anticipated. If the measurement is missing or inaccurate, it is promptly noted. Clearly people are waiting for those numbers to inform their decisions.
DECISIVE - A clear opening for action is created by the measurement. It points purposefully to what should or should not be done. Again the humble tachometer serves as a simple illustration. Where it stands tells us not only when to shift gears but also whether the engine is on or over its red line.
A Process for Measuring Process Measurements (R.E.A.D.)
