The expression, “what gets measured gets done,” has become a favorite, if not familiar refrain, when it comes to measuring results. Measurement keeps a mentoring program focused and on track. It provides direction and parameters, and targets areas for process improvement. It adds value and credibility to a program and is a factor in achieving its long term sustainability.
And yet, when it comes to mentoring program results, measurement frequently gets put on the back burner. How is that possible? Why is it that mentoring measurement is so easily dismissed?
Many organizations claim that it is a matter of time (“it isn’t the right time to measure”). We hear comments like, “our people are surveyed to death.” Or, “we are waiting until our program is up and running and then we’ll find the time to do it.” Or, “this just isn’t a convenient time. There are so many other organizational priorities we are dealing with right now.” Or, how about, “we want to get it right before we go out and measure it.” Do any of these comments sound familiar? If measuring your mentoring success is not your strong suit here are some suggestions for strengthening your efforts.
Ensure that results will be measured!
- Plan your measurement process at the same time and with the same intentionality as your mentoring initiative.
- The methods of measurement, data collection procedures (both qualitative and quantitative), data analysis treatments, and dissemination of results should be detailed as part of the planning process.
Consider the following questions:
- What do you want to measure?
- What are your criteria for measuring success?
- How will you go about measuring success?
- What baseline data do you already have in place?
- What additional data will you need to measure success?
- How will you go about obtaining these data?
- What will you do with the data once you get it?
- Who will be responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting the data?
- How will results be distributed?
If what gets measured gets done and you are running a mentoring program, you need to get busy. Senior management needs to see results. Sometimes, data speaks louder than words.
