Hi Community,
Can I ask my directs to propose / set their own metrics?
I have taken over another team within my department and their work is different to what I have managed in the past.
I am about to start O3s with them and will also be required to complete their Annual Reviews in a few weeks time.
From reading their previous reviews, no metrics were set and there doesn’t seem anything in place.
Any guidance / comments is appreciated.
Helen
Asking directs for input is fine
Asking your directs to propose/suggest some metrics is fine. Trusting them to set their own metrics might be giving them a bit too much freedom though.
By all means get their input, but I think you should own the decision for what metrics you're going to use going forward. Give yourself some time to evaluate the different work that this team does. Have a listen to the Don't Change Metrics podcast too.
Interesting Idea
I think it sounds like a great idea to get their input, I'm not sure I would base my entire review only off of self-chosen metrics though. I think it would be useful going forward as a way to gain insight into how your reports value/track their own progress. More than likely each individual won't give you the full picture but it would be a good starting point for developing your own metrics.
If I were in your shoes I wouldn't attempt to create metrics before fully understanding if they're useful. Depending on the industry, some metrics can do much more harm than good.
Also listen to recent casts on "After You Get Your Goals"
Recommends sequence of actions (including meetings) to form coherent goals for the team. [Manager Tools, 2020-08-31 through 2020-09-14]
Yes you can ask your clients
Yes you can ask your clients then bump it to your inhouse metrics.
Yes you can and that is a
Yes you can and that is a great move - you let your directs feel the sense of belongingness and appreciation. Great thing to do as leader!
Agreed.
A lot of pluses with having directs propose their own metrics for the reasons people mention.