My new FitBit is a great reminder that an effective measurement strategy, all by itself, is a source of motivation and engagement.
The FitBit tracks my heart rate, my steps, my exercise, my sleep patterns plus other daily activities that lead to health and well-being. It sends me badges for attaining milestones: # of miles walked (after one week, I am a Marathoner!), floors climbed (not atop Everest yet!), steps taken. It vibrates when I hit my 10,000 step threshold every day. And, it serves all this data up in tables and charts that reinforce progress.
Recent work from The Maritz Institute tells us there are four strategies that work together to drive performance and engagement:
• Attention
• Goal Commitment
• Rewards
• Feedback
What is really compelling about these strategies is that you can change behavior and impact performance simply by doing one of the above very well. I’ve already experienced and written about the power of goal commitment to drive behavior change all by itself.
Here’s how my FitBit has, in one short week, changed my approach to my exercise regimen. The visual display shows that I’ve hit 12,500 steps or more every day for the past week. So, I’ve now set a goal for myself. I am never going to slip below 12,500 steps per day. Why? Because three more weeks of this performance and I will earn “Sherpa” recognition in our company wellness program. Plus, I am getting back on track with my weight loss and fitness goals. So, no more three days of exercise mixed with four days of chocolate chip cookies.
Being a Sherpa brings with it both social rewards (status, plus the “social proof” of sharing with my exercise buddies) and tangible rewards (points I maybe can spend on a new pair of running shoes). Converting daily metrics into a visually engaging display of achievements has caught my attention and helped me to set new performance goals. So, in effect, all four performance drivers have been activated, simply by executing a great measurement strategy.
Great design is about speaking to people on their terms, getting into their shoes, knowing what will get their attention and inspire them. FitBit has gotten me into my shoes. A compelling measurement strategy alone has created the impetus to personal self-improvement.
If you want to start a simple performance improvement mission, whether it be your personal wellness program or your corporate strategy execution, start by figuring out what you are going to measure and how you’re going to deliver the metrics. If you do that well, sit back and watch people pay attention, set goals and set a path toward rewards.
What personal or business behavior would you like to begin measuring?
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