Decision or a measurement challenge? Try this process
“If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster”.
- Stephen Covey
I would suggest try the M.E.T.E.R. process of making decisions or perform measurements. The steps are simple however it helps break down any complex processes to arrive at a conclusion.
Allow me to step you through and explain
M - mission and are you ready for it, for any decision or measurement process, why do you want to do it? If you question it you may uncover more than one purpose may be served. It may have a completely different meaning if you are not ready for it. As Bill Gross in his TED talks attributes timing as the most critical element for success. To ensure readiness, James Cameron, waited 15 years to complete his Avatar movie, because the technology wasn't ready yet.
E - Explanation Looking at the problem what does it mean? What is the context? How was it before? And is it improving? There was a point in time, human temperature was measured by just touching the forehead because the technology of thermometers was not around or measuring the pulse was a proxy. And we could assess it based on human interpretation.
T - tally, totals. This could be a flag or a scorecard. That would tell you that you have reached your destination or the outcome has been achieved. If you are successful or not ? Else how would you know?
E - Execution. Obviously, when we talk about execution, we talk about strategy. This step has to tie up to the mission and the objectives of running the measurement/decision process. So execution will consist of input and processes.
How would the steps be taken to reach from the point before to the new point?
We need to know what direction to take as well. We need to explore what our priorities are and what the options are.
R - The last step in the process is results. How you going to measure the success once you're there? And once you're there, you also have to really reassess the room for improvement. So, in case you have to go through the process again you are better off so is society and humanity. Personal interest may sometimes come in conflict with public interest.
I was personally involved in the process of establishing National Food Grain Price in India.
Looking through the process we explained that it was based on the national production in terms of quality and quantity and this was meant to happen just before harvesting when the crop is still in the fields. Conventional method to measure and making the decisions will fail.
To tally or measure we needed to establish the crop vigour and production. To work backward from the point we were able to use a satellite data processing technique called normalised difference vegetation index. Take 5% samples and run mathematical models that give us at 95% confidence the likely yield and quality.
The geographic are of a country is vast so it was subdivided into regions and within regions teams worked on areas to ensure there are no gaps or overlaps.
Results were then taken and prediction improved year on year.
Though the process was complex if you look at the process it has continually worked for decision making or measurement problems.
M.E.T.E.R methodology should hold good, irrespective of the area of decision making, that you're engaged in. Whether it's personal goals or professional. Good luck.
If you want to talk about it or discuss it further please do write to me on sbabbar@sameerbabbar.com
