To become different from what we are, we must have some awareness of what we are.

High performers actively seek feedback. They know that's the only way to change their course and improve their performance. If you don't know how you are doing, you can't improve.

Five key areas for improving corporate performance and example measurements of each area are:

• Customers/Partners - Performance gaps, market-share, benchmarking, market perceived quality.
• Innovation and New Markets - Revenues from new products, number of pilots, number of experiments, skunk-works.
• Competencies and Capabilities - Cycle times, on-time delivery, reject rates, rework, productivity.
• Learning and Improvement - Rates of improvement in the other four areas. Self or outside audit of organizational improvement process.
• Financial - Profitability, cash flow, sales levels, return-on-investment, debt level.

Feedback is an essential element of learning and improvement. Having 360 degree feedback, from your boss, peers, and staff allows an accurate picture of your performance perceptions. Knowing the gaps between desired (based on vision, values, and purpose) and perceived performance, allows training and action plans to be focused on real needs.

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