How do you balance your SMART KPIs with other qualitative or subjective indicators of success or impact?

1 Use a mixed-methods approach

One way to balance your SMART KPIs with other indicators of success or impact is to use a mixed-methods approach. This means that you combine quantitative data (such as numbers, percentages, or ratios) with qualitative data (such as feedback, stories, or observations). Quantitative data can help you to track and compare your results, while qualitative data can help you to understand the context, meaning, and implications of your results. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to collect feedback from your stakeholders, customers, or beneficiaries, and analyze how they perceive, experience, or benefit from your project or goal.

2 Align your indicators with your purpose and values

Another way to balance your SMART KPIs with other indicators of success or impact is to align your indicators with your purpose and values. Your purpose and values are the reasons why you do what you do, and what matters most to you. They can help you to define what success or impact means to you, beyond the SMART criteria. For example, you can use indicators that reflect your mission, vision, or principles, such as social responsibility, environmental sustainability, or ethical standards. You can also use indicators that reflect your personal or professional growth, such as learning, satisfaction, or well-being.

3 Review and adjust your indicators regularly

A third way to balance your SMART KPIs with other indicators of success or impact is to review and adjust your indicators regularly. Your indicators are not fixed or static, but dynamic and flexible. They may change over time, depending on your situation, goals, or feedback. You should review your indicators periodically, and see if they are still relevant, accurate, and meaningful. You should also adjust your indicators if necessary, and make sure they are aligned with your current needs, expectations, and priorities. For example, you can use a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to evaluate your indicators, and identify what works well, what needs improvement, and what can be added or removed.

4 Communicate your indicators clearly and transparently

A fourth way to balance your SMART KPIs with other indicators of success or impact is to communicate your indicators clearly and transparently. Your indicators are not only for your own use, but also for your stakeholders, customers, or beneficiaries. They can help you to demonstrate your value, credibility, and accountability. You should communicate your indicators in a way that is easy to understand, relevant, and honest. You should also explain the rationale, methods, and limitations of your indicators, and how they relate to your purpose and values. For example, you can use a dashboard, a report, or a presentation to share your indicators, and provide context, evidence, and stories to support them.

5 Balance your indicators with your intuition and judgment

A fifth way to balance your SMART KPIs with other indicators of success or impact is to balance your indicators with your intuition and judgment. Your indicators are not the only source of information or insight that you have. You also have your own intuition and judgment, based on your experience, knowledge, and feelings. Sometimes, your intuition and judgment may contradict or complement your indicators, and you may need to weigh them carefully. You should not ignore or dismiss your intuition and judgment, but use them as a guide, a check, or a supplement to your indicators. For example, you can use your intuition and judgment to interpret your indicators, to identify gaps or opportunities, or to make decisions or recommendations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?