However, without a consistent source of talent to do the analysis you’ve suggested and I’m seeking there either needs to be a consistent source of funding, or more innovative partnerships with business and/or universities where such talent exists.
I focus on building and sustaining non-school, youth serving organizations reaching high poverty youth. Since the media are focusing on the Ferguson, MO area it’s timely that you’ve posted and given me the opportunity to respond. Until we build and sustain a wide range of needed supports for youth and families in high poverty areas like Ferguson, which exist all over the country, I don’t think much change will result from all the media attention. Applying the ideas you’ve shared to map the growth of needed resources and leadership would be a valuable outcome from what’s going on now.
I don’t understand how measuring signalling metrics is worth doing if it is not linked directly to action that changing something. Measuring Facebook likes focuses people on increasing the number of likes but if those likes are not linked to doing something then this may actually be counterproductive - focusing people on useless activity
Thanks Paul. We totally agree. The point is not to waste an organization’s limited resources measuring anything that is not directly linked to a specific goal. Organizations should focus on measuring the handful of signaling metrics that will help them understand if they are on the right path to meet their goals, so that they have time to change course if necessary. Depending on the goal, measuring Facebook likes may be highly relevant or simply a vanity measure.
COMMENTS
BY Daniel F. Bassill
ON November 27, 2014 07:22 AM
It’s good to see more attention being giving to mapping network growth. In this PDF I illustrate the need to understand networks and how they grow as a result of my own efforts. https://www.scribd.com/doc/78558502/Ideas-for-Expanding-Network-of-People-Working-for-Social-Benefit
However, without a consistent source of talent to do the analysis you’ve suggested and I’m seeking there either needs to be a consistent source of funding, or more innovative partnerships with business and/or universities where such talent exists.
I focus on building and sustaining non-school, youth serving organizations reaching high poverty youth. Since the media are focusing on the Ferguson, MO area it’s timely that you’ve posted and given me the opportunity to respond. Until we build and sustain a wide range of needed supports for youth and families in high poverty areas like Ferguson, which exist all over the country, I don’t think much change will result from all the media attention. Applying the ideas you’ve shared to map the growth of needed resources and leadership would be a valuable outcome from what’s going on now.
BY Paul Higgins
ON December 5, 2014 03:33 PM
I don’t understand how measuring signalling metrics is worth doing if it is not linked directly to action that changing something. Measuring Facebook likes focuses people on increasing the number of likes but if those likes are not linked to doing something then this may actually be counterproductive - focusing people on useless activity
BY Erin Morgan Gore
ON December 16, 2014 08:59 AM
Thanks Paul. We totally agree. The point is not to waste an organization’s limited resources measuring anything that is not directly linked to a specific goal. Organizations should focus on measuring the handful of signaling metrics that will help them understand if they are on the right path to meet their goals, so that they have time to change course if necessary. Depending on the goal, measuring Facebook likes may be highly relevant or simply a vanity measure.
BY Erin Morgan Gore
ON December 16, 2014 09:01 AM
Thanks Daniel. Yes, it is critical that we continue to build out the funding and partnership side of this equation.