Last year I went to the doctor for my physical and was told that while my all systems were running awesome (BP, blood work, etc. – thank God), my BMI (body-mass-index) put me in the “high” category – had I tried exercise? My body fat was 20.5% at the time (healthy), I exercised five days a week, prioritized sleep, and ate super clean 93% of the time (wine, chocolate, and a really good taco are necessary pleasures in my world), and I felt great. I was grateful I understood BMI. I was also grateful that my body felt solid, that I felt healthy, and that I knew I was taking care of myself. That was my measurement.
Last year I went to the doctor for my physical and was told that while my all systems were running awesome (BP, blood work, etc. – thank God), my BMI (body-mass-index) put me in the “high” category – had I tried exercise? My body fat was 20.5% at the time (healthy), I exercised five days a week, prioritized sleep, and ate super clean 93% of the time (wine, chocolate, and a really good taco are necessary pleasures in my world), and I felt great. I was grateful I understood BMI. I was also grateful that my body felt solid, that I felt healthy, and that I knew I was taking care of myself. That was my measurement.
Years ago, when I applied for insurance, I was “dinged” for having psychotherapy to support me when my ex and I completed our marriage (which was two years in the past at the time of my application). I thought I should have received extra credit and a lower premium. (They disagreed. J) I was also grateful for the healing and care I allowed myself that made me a healthier parent, human, and ex throughout that process and today. That was my measurement.
After attending one of our programs recently, a participant who “hated” (his words) his work and his team and “had no interest in changing the situation” (his words again), returned to work and quit his job. The sponsor was upset; he attended the program and then quit? What kind of program were we running? I was so happy for all of them and invited them to send more people to me to support anyone else, who may not be loving their path, creating toxicity in the organization, and looking for a reboot (whatever that might mean for them). This guy was now set free on his own new path and this organization was free of a very toxic contagion. That was my measurement. And soon theirs as well.
We had a team of people go through the IEP work. They went back to their company all pumped up. They were happier, more present, more connected to purpose, excited about their work, more pleasurable to be around, clearer on how to serve their clients. One of the participant’s direct reports shared she enjoyed her boss more now, “He seems different, calmer.” Their boss (who had not attended) asked them what was the ROI for the training? What were the hard outcomes? What did they actually GET out of it? What was the financial impact? Surely it couldn’t just be “happiness,” “being more pleasurable to be around,” or “having a better impact”??? (I’ll let you do the math.)
These scenarios are not uncommon…
In a world that moves fast, and that needs us to honor different kinds of progress and humanity, our way of measuring results is often… off. Health results, insurance, well-being, business, performance, culture, I’m sure you can name others.
[TWEETABLE] We have to read between the lines. In between the lines is where humanity, vulnerability, purpose, and the real stuff is happening.
Do you resist the soft stuff? Do you hide behind data and hard outcomes? Do you hold that if it can’t be measured it doesn’t count? Do you hold yourself to some cultural norm or number or rule that is antiquated and doesn’t serve the human spirit, greatest performance, or the heart, intention and purpose that went into it?
If you do, you may be missing big opportunities for creating connection, vulnerability, risk-taking, and the “GO FOR IT” stance that are all essential to healthy collaboration, inspired innovation, authenticity, joy, and yes… results.
What/who do you measure against that needs to be redesigned? If not systemically, just for yourself? Is the way you’re measuring ROI serving you? Does it feel life-giving, expansive, and inspiring OR soul-sucking, contracted, and even punitive?
An invitation to hop to. Let’s unlock your next level of magic, shall we?
Have at it. :-)
*Photo courtesy of Shuttlestock.