Measure Twice, Cut Once

Perhaps you’re familiar with the old saying “measure twice and cut once.” It’s a bit of wisdom about the importance of planning, and how proper planning leads to fewer mistakes. Every good seamstress or carpenter understands this immediately. And while it might be less obvious in the IT asset management industry, it’s no less true.

I’ve seen some otherwise very sophisticated companies begin implementing their strategic plan before they’ve really thought through all the constituent elements. How will the processes be developed, what will be the key performance measurements, and what resources (internal and external) will we need to bring to bear on this plan to make it effective? Sometimes, in our bias for action over reflection, we foolishly march ahead, even before knowing the best direction in which to march, or how to get everyone marching together.

Of course, I understand the urgency about time, and how time equals money. But consider this: Any time spent thinking carefully about these things before executing the plan will more than pay for themselves in the form of fewer unforeseen snags, roadblocks and hurdles later. You might have thought you were saving time by rushing into the project without a proper plan, but ultimately you’ve only added even more time to the equation on the back end, because you must now deal with these resulting problems.

Please, don’t forget that crucial measurement piece. I’ve said it before, and I’ll no doubt say it again: You cannot effectively manage what you cannot effectively measure. So don’t be afraid to attach any metrics to the process that will help you understand whether you’re making progress or simply spinning your wheels. And without those appropriate measurements, to mention an even more practical consideration, how in the world will you ever be able to calculate the return on the investment? That is, after all, the driving force in most projects.

But enough about what I think. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter. You can quickly and easily post them below. Let the conversation begin.