How to increase your leadership by weighing what matters

Scott Cochrane July 4, 2021

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Effective leaders know that while certain metrics require counting,there are also vital indicators that require weighing.

Let's face it. Leaders measure.

It's part of what we do. It's in our DNA. We want to know how many, how much, how often, how far and how fast.

But as seasoned leaders will tell you, while counting tells you some important information, that's often only the beginning. The complete story is only found when you take the time and invest the leadership effort required to weigh less tangible data.

Here are 5 scenarios that call for weighing, not just counting.

1. When you need to rally support around a cause

Counting may tell you how many are on board, but effective leaders will want to know whois on board. "Do I have the influencers on my side?" In other words, effective leaders measure the weight of the voices.

2. When you need to reverse a trend

Counting may tell you which way the trend is heading (sales are declining, donations are sliding, attendance is plateauing, etc). But effective leaders want to know who has stopped buying (and who has started), and who has stopped giving (and who has increased giving). These are questions of weight.

3. When you need to respond to criticism

Counting may tell you how many complaints have been received. Effective leaders, though, want to know where those complaints are coming from in order to determine how much validity they might carry. They want to weigh the source of the complaints.

4. When new ideas are sparking a debate

If you're unsure which new idea to implement, you won't necessarily find the best answer by merely counting how many support option A versus option B. Consider who is supporting the ideas. The weight of opinion matters.

5. When you need to know who has your back

Counting may tell you how many senior staff showed up for work today, or how many board members make up a quorum. Weighing, though, tells you who you can count on when the going gets tough. Effective leaders weigh levels of support among key stakeholders.

Is counting important? Absolutely. Just be sure your measurement doesn't end there. If you really want to understand what's going on behind the numbers, learn to develop the ability to weigh, not just count.

Because very often "who" is more important than "how many."

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Scott Cochrane serves on the executive team for the Willow Creek Association, as Vice President, International Ministries. He was born and raised in Canada, where he became connected to the Willow Creek Association, first as a marketing director and later as the ministry’s Chief Operating Officer. Following a five-year stint as Executive Pastor of a large church, Scott returned to Willow Creek Canada in 2009 as Executive Director, and in 2012 relocated to Illinois to take up his current post with the Willow Creek Association. Learn More »

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