Measuring Impact

I used to think execution was everything—that delivering perfectly would ensure success. But execution means little without value. What matters most is impact—the lasting mark we leave on people, the work we do, and the world around us.

1. Finding the Right Metrics

It all starts with measuring the right things. Your metrics should directly reflect your goals. Choosing the wrong ones will steer you in the wrong direction.

Focus on metrics tied to outcomes.

Start with the result you want, then work backward. Make sure your metrics guide you toward that outcome. If your goal is to increase customer retention, don’t just track how many tickets you close—track how may customers stay with you after you solve their issue.

Beware of vanity metrics.

Numbers like social media followers can look impressive, but are they meaningful? I initially focused on growing my Twitter following, but engagement didn’t increase. I shifted focus to meaningful interactions (e.g. comments and share), which led to more engagement with my content.

Refine your metrics as you go.

Metrics are a work-in-progress. Think of them as a working hypothesis—experiment, adjust, and improve as you learn. The wrong metric can send you in the wrong direction, so keep iterating.

2. Finding the Leading Metrics

Leading metrics are inputs you control—levers you can adjust to affect future results.

Identify actions that drive results.

Leading metrics are like levers. Want more (or less) of an outcome? Change the inputs that affect it. When I don’t see the work output I want, I know I need more focus time. When that number goes up, so does my output.

Track consistently to see patterns.

I track my metrics in a Notion “Scorecard” database. I have a metric for the average content engagements I receive. When I test new content types, I can quickly identify what works (and what doesn’t).

Experiment and refine.

Finding high-impact leading metrics takes time. Keep testing and refining to uncover the ones that matter most. I have daily, weekly, and monthly metrics I regularly review and adjust based on continual experiments and learnings.

3. Pairing Metrics

Once you’ve defined your leading metrics, pair them with lagging metrics—the results that come after. The key is connecting cause and effect.

Analyze the relationship between leading and lagging indicators.

Find which actions lead to measurable success—that’s your impact formula. I’ve found commenting on other people’s content is the best leading indicator for growing new followers and email subscribers.

Build a feedback loop.

Use data to adjust your metrics. When my product teams weren’t consistently delivering work on time, I captured their feedback and identified specific metrics to track and measure.

Iterate based on lagging metrics.

Your results (lagging metrics) tell you what’s effective. Use them to continuously improve your approach. If a product team is missing deadlines, then you need to find the key metric to change the outcome.

Why Measuring Impact Matters

Measuring impact isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making sure the work you do has meaning and lasting influence. When you focus on the right metrics and continuously refine your approach, you’re not just improving your execution—you’re creating value that lasts. In the end, impact is about building something that outlives the task at hand and leaves a legacy that matters.