Ever since the phrase “you manage what you measure” made its way into the dialogue of corporate America, metrics have played an increasingly important role in the management of businesses. 
No one can argue the value of timely, detailed, and accurate measures of performance as assessments of effectiveness and guides for decision-making. Yet, which metrics are best remains highly debatable.
I just ran a series on Twitter about the things I’ve learned about business (and life) from watching 
“The Biggest Loser.” I started watching the show because a client of mine is a sponsor, but I got hooked by the valuable lessons it teaches (and the drama, of course!)
#1 lesson: keep metrics simple; the show only tracks one measure (pounds loss); other metrics are important but focusing on one number is easy and memorable.
Please follow me on Twitter @deniseleeyohn to read the other 8 lessons — thanks!
U.S. News & World Report’s interview with Susan Docherty, North American Vice President for General Motors 
provided some valuable insight into the troubled car company. Her comments made it clear that GM is operating from a reactive, backward looking stance. (more…)