Unlocking Success: The Joy of Metrics

Imagine this: you’re in a meeting in the near future, and your leader starts asking about your organizational resilience metrics. They’re curious about the maturity of the program, the percentage completion of key artifacts. For good measure, they throw in a question about unresolved findings. Are you ready to provide answers within an hour? If not, it’s time to think seriously about showcasing your resilience program through metrics and dashboards.

In today’s dynamic world of resilience, understanding the power of metrics is more critical than ever. Enter “The Joy of Metrics,” an insightful new book I co-authored with esteemed metrics strategist Dr. Bernard Jones. This collaboration is a game-changer for professionals striving to build resilient organizations that thrive in the face of uncertainty.

Our book is not just about tracking performance; it’s about leveraging metrics to tell compelling stories, predict outcomes, and drive meaningful action.

With businesses facing increasing pressures from natural disasters, cyber threats, and global crises, the need for reliable, actionable data has never been greater. Metrics are at the core of effective disaster recovery plans, yet many organizations struggle to make sense of their data.

“The Joy of Metrics” provides:

• Practical guidance: Step-by-step frameworks for selecting and implementing metrics that matter.
• Real-world examples: Case studies demonstrating how metrics have transformed disaster recovery and resilience strategies.
• Actionable insights: Tips for aligning metrics with organizational goals to ensure strategic success.

Gone are the days when resilience professionals were relegated to the basement, unseen and unsupported. Some readers may never have experienced those dark underground days—when practitioners lacked support, resources, or even the ability to run basic tabletop exercises. Yet, this story remains a cautionary tale.

Today’s rapidly evolving risk landscape significantly impacts companies. Natural disasters, cyberattacks, economic downturns, and technological disruptions are just a few examples. Civil unrest and human-made crises can also strike suddenly. The ability to document and execute strategies to navigate crises has become a top priority for executives. As a result, organizational resilience is now front and center for senior leadership. Leaders want assurance that the resilience program is healthy and demand metrics that reveal where the company stands.

The Role of Organizational Resilience Metrics

Organizational resilience metrics are indicators used to measure a company’s ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from crisis events. These metrics provide a structured approach to evaluating how effectively an organization can maintain core functions during disruptions and how quickly it can rebound afterward.

Businesses refine their metrics in various ways to align with broader company goals. For example, I’ve aligned my objectives and key results (OKRs) with specific resilience measurements to ensure we were tracking what truly mattered.

Resilience metrics serve as quantifiable indicators that assess an organization’s ability to recover, adapt, and thrive in the face of challenges. They provide insights into how well a system can withstand stressors—whether economic, operational, or environmental—and emerge stronger from adversity. For organizations, these metrics often focus on operational continuity, financial stability, and workforce adaptability.

Why Are Metrics Important?

Remember the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words?” Metrics work the same way. Dashboards offer clarity and understanding. Here are a few examples:

• Metrics empower teams and stakeholders to make data-driven decisions, prioritize risk management, and strategize effectively for the months ahead.
• They increase stakeholder confidence by offering transparency and demonstrating an organization’s commitment to resilience. This builds trust with investors, customers, and employees.
• Trend analysis and continuous improvement highlight strengths and opportunities for growth.
• No. 1 reason for metrics? Buy-in and support. Metrics keep resilience programs visible and can justify requests for additional headcount or budget.

Key Metrics to Consider

• Mean time to recovery (MTTR): The average time taken to recover from a disruption.
• Business impact analysis (BIA): Assessment of the potential impact of disruptions on business operations.
• Employee engagement and training: Metrics evaluating the effectiveness of resilience training programs and employee preparedness.

In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, resilience is not just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. The right resilience metrics offer actionable insights that guide organizations toward greater stability and success. By tracking and improving these metrics, we position ourselves to not only withstand challenges but also emerge stronger, more adaptable, and better prepared for the future.

Resilience metrics aren’t just about enduring difficult times; they’re about thriving through them. Companies that consistently track and enhance their resilience metrics often outperform competitors during economic downturns and disruptions.

Who Should Read This Book?

Whether you’re a seasoned resilience professional, a data enthusiast, or a business leader aiming to strengthen your organization’s resilience, this book offers valuable insights. We guide readers through the complexities of metrics with clarity and expertise, ensuring even the most data-averse professionals walk away with actionable knowledge.

Join the Conversation

Join the “Enterprise Resilience Metrics” LinkedIn group to continue the discussion. “The Joy of Metrics” is more than a book; it’s an invitation to rethink how we measure and manage resilience. By embracing the joy of metrics, organizations can transform raw data into a strategic asset, building stronger, more adaptive systems in an unpredictable world.

Together, let’s make metrics not just a tool for tracking progress but a cornerstone of resilience.

Co-author of “The Joy of Metrics,” Dr. Bernard Jones, is featured as part of the “Resilience Reads: Meet the Authors” exhibit to be held at DRJ Spring 2025 in Orlando, Fla., March 23-26, 2025.