The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals

Discipline 2

Act on Lead Measures

Chapter Summary

In this chapter, the authors introduce the concept of lead measures, which are crucial metrics that predict the likelihood of achieving a goal, as opposed to lag measures, which are the outcomes of those goals. The distinction between lead and lag measures is fundamental to the discipline of execution. Lead measures are proactive and influence results, while lag measures are reactive, capturing the end results of actions taken.

The chapter emphasizes the importance of focusing on lead measures because they are more controllable by the team. For example, if the goal is to increase sales (a lag measure), a lead measure might be the number of customer calls made or the number of new relationships established. By concentrating efforts on lead measures, teams can create a direct impact on their outcomes.

The authors break down the process of identifying effective lead measures into several steps:

Identify Your Wildly Important Goals (WIGs): Teams must clearly define what is most important for them to achieve. These goals should be specific, measurable, and time-bound.
Determine What Drives Success: Analyze what activities or behaviors can lead to achieving the WIGs. This involves brainstorming and discussions among team members to pinpoint key actions that drive results.
Choose the Right Lead Measures: Not all measures are equal. The selected lead measures should be both predictive of success and influenceable by the team. The authors advise teams to choose only two lead measures to maintain focus.
Establish Accountability: Once lead measures are identified, the team must agree on who is responsible for each measure’s performance. This accountability fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among team members.

The chapter also discusses the significance of discipline in executing lead measures. Teams are encouraged to track their progress consistently, adjusting their strategies as necessary based on performance data. The authors suggest that using a scoreboard to visualize lead measures can enhance motivation and focus.

In conclusion, acting on lead measures is a dynamic process that not only helps in achieving the goals but also strengthens teamwork and accountability. By monitoring and driving lead measures with discipline, organizations can effectively navigate challenges and enhance their chances of success. The authors reiterate that the execution of lead measures is where the real work happens, and it is essential for the overall success of the execution framework.