Why is it important to define success numerically (hard indicators)? Are soft or nonnumerical indicators important? Why or why not?

Response: Specific or hard indicators are important demonstrations of sucess for several reasons not the least of which is that hard indicators are easily understood and share the same meaning to interested parties. Measurable or quantifiable improvement in process (500 additional units produced versus last month, $100K additional sales versus last fiscal quarter, $2.5M budget savings versus last fiscal year, etc) both shares meaning and provides a new set point to compare/contrast the next rating period too. Hard indicators are data points that can be used to validate changes to process, upgrade of equipment, hiring additional personnel, or abandoning a failed initiative. Specific indicators could also help to construct repeatable processes, and if a process is repeatable it could show where the opportunities for improvement are or where the groups' proficiencies lie and could use help. Soft indicators are important as well, but are often more big picture intents or over-arching mission statements (Build the best company in the business, become the industry standard, save the world, etc). Soft indicators could also be public sentiment about the group or even media reviews of the group. I bundle these as soft indicators as they could be determined to be heavily opinionated, can contain more feelings than facts, and can lack appropriate insider information. These points can also be impacted by any effect the group has had on the individual making the observation. If they benefit the observer, the group can be seen as good and successful. Conversely, a successful group can be viewed as a failure or as a detriment to the community if the job or work that group does carries a negative connotation in the minds of the community. In simple terms, I tend to view hard indicators as "bottom-line" concerns, and soft indicators (generally) as a means to reach the hard goals more and maintain that success.

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