When you feel like you’re pushing harder than usual but not making the progress you should, it’s time to stop and become aware of what’s happening around you. Often, we focus on the wrong metrics or miss obvious external factors affecting our performance, just like riding against the wind without realising it. The solution lies in measuring the right things and staying aware of your business environment.
Key Takeaways
- Measuring just one metric (like speed or turnover) doesn’t account for other important variables
- Being aware of your surroundings and external factors can explain performance issues
- Quality often matters more than quantity in both business and personal relationships
- Taking time to assess what’s changed can reveal simple solutions to complex problems
- Focus on the right metrics and stay aware of your business environment for better progress
Why Single Metrics Can Mislead Your Business Progress
The other morning, I was riding my bike and for those that know me, I love to measure results and progress. On this particular day, I’m riding along and just don’t feel great. It feels like I am pushing harder than I should for the speed I am achieving.
A series of thoughts go through my mind: I’m thinking maybe I’m getting sick, maybe I shouldn’t have had that extra plate of dessert last night, maybe my brake pads are rubbing against the wheel, actually you know what I’m going to cut this ride short. Then the next thing I know I’m feeling better, my speed has picked up and the ride has just become a little more enjoyable.
I ask myself what has changed? Then I realise, I am now riding with the wind not against it like at the beginning of the ride. How obvious! How did I miss that?
Two obvious things jump out at me that not only apply to me riding my bike but also in life and business in general. The first is measuring just my speed, which does not take into account other variables. It’s a bit like measuring the amount of time I spend with my children compared to the quality of time and fun I have with my children, or in the case of business it could be focusing just on turnover and not profit.
How Lack of Awareness Affects Business Performance
Secondly, if I had just been a little more aware of my surroundings I would have noticed that the wind was blowing.
How often do you have your head down just focusing on putting more effort into what you are doing and then you are left wondering why you are not making the progress you should? I don’t know about your children but there are some days where no matter how hard you try to have an engaging conversation, they are just not interested. You know those conversations where you just get quick one or two-word answers? When actually if I was more aware of their state of mind or the fact that they are exhausted from a busy day at school.
Sometimes all you needed to do was stop and have a look around and be more aware of what is happening. This same principle applies when you’re working with your team or trying to improve your business systems through our Ultimate Tradie Business Transformation programme.
What Should You Measure Instead of Just Output?
In business, measuring only revenue or hours worked is like measuring only speed on that bike ride. You need to consider the external factors affecting your performance. Are market conditions changing? Is your team overwhelmed? Are you focusing on the right clients?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, businesses that track multiple performance indicators are more likely to identify and address operational challenges before they become critical issues.
The key metrics to track alongside revenue include:
- Profit margins per job or service
- Customer satisfaction and retention rates
- Team productivity and wellbeing
- Quality of work delivered
- Time invested versus results achieved
How to Identify What’s Holding Back Your Progress
Next time you feel you are not making the progress you should, stop and take a minute. Become aware of what is happening or what has changed and check you are measuring and focusing on the right things. You will be surprised at what you will find out.
This approach can be particularly valuable when you’re looking to scale your business through effective team building, which is why I developed the Recruit Right Programme to help business owners identify and address the real barriers to growth.
Consider these questions when progress feels slow:
- What external factors might be affecting performance?
- Am I measuring the right indicators of success?
- Has something in my business environment changed recently?
- Are my team members operating at their best capacity?
- What would happen if I shifted focus to quality over quantity?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m measuring the wrong business metrics?
If you’re hitting your targets but still feeling frustrated or seeing declining results in other areas, you’re likely focusing on the wrong metrics. Look at the bigger picture: profit margins, customer satisfaction, and team wellbeing alongside revenue figures.
What are the most common external factors that slow business progress?
Market conditions, seasonal changes, economic factors, competition, regulatory changes, and even team morale can all act like headwinds in your business. Regular environmental scanning helps identify these factors early.
How often should I review my business progress and metrics?
Monthly reviews are ideal for most service businesses and trades. This gives you enough data to spot trends without getting caught up in daily fluctuations. Weekly check-ins can help with immediate course corrections.
What’s the difference between working harder and working smarter in business?
Working harder means putting in more hours or effort doing the same things. Working smarter means stepping back, assessing what’s really driving results, and focusing your energy on high-impact activities that move your business forward.
How can I become more aware of what’s affecting my business performance?
Schedule regular time to step back from day-to-day operations. Talk to your team, customers, and other business owners. Track multiple metrics, not just revenue. Stay informed about industry trends and economic conditions affecting your market.
I would love to hear from you on how this information has helped you or if you have other tactics or strategies that help you get stuff done. If you’re ready to identify what’s really holding back your business progress, let’s have a conversation about how we can work together to get you moving in the right direction.
