Litmus Test for Effective Performance Measures

Yes	No		
		Is it aligned with organizational goals and mission?	
		Was it developed with a purpose in mind (how it will be used)?	
		Does it measure or reflect something of value to the customer?	
		Does it measure results, rather than activities, whenever possible?	
		Is it easily understood by staff and customers? Would it pass the “third party test”—understandable to someone who isn’t familiar with the program?	
		Does it measure something within your unit’s responsibility and control?	
		Was it developed with the involvement of employees who will be key to using the data and achieving the measure?	
		Does it demonstrate a measurable improvement over a previous performance level?