Tag Archive for: measure

Noise

In the Netherlands, noise pollution is a huge challenge.
One of the main sources of environmental noise in the Netherlands is road traffic.
There are statutory limits for road traffic noise.
The government encourages “quieter” tyres, silent asphalt, the installation of many different kinds of sound barriers and the insulation of homes.
Why? Because in a flat land, noise can carry over a very long distance.
We live in an area, known as the “Randstad”, and I am a witness to that noise every, single day.

Too Much Noise

Too much noise can be distracting and even overwhelming.
Yet, mild background noise can improve focus and creativity.
Many years ago, as a young salesman, I sold lots of different products, including public address systems for Premier league football stadiums.
I learned a lot about noise.

Meters

Using a 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 sound meter, I’d often conduct surveys with a technical engineer to check on background or ambient noise levels.
A calibrated meter was an essential tool, to understand the levels of background noise.
It was calibrated regularly.
To 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 something means to rectify, to correct, to change and to standardize, to adjust precisely for a particular function, and to re-measure against a standard to measure accuracy.
I especially like the definition given by the Cambridge English dictionary which is “to make small changes to an instrument.”

Personal Calibration

In a like manner, our missionaries are asked to recalibrate or re-examine their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ, daily.
Each of them carries a small booklet entitled “Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ”.
Sometimes divine adjustments can be painful, and circumstances can compel us to change.
Like the calibrated sound meter measures noise levels, often we need to re-calibrate our personal lives and
– our relationships with our spouse, children and other family members.
– our relationship with other friends and neighbours.
– our relationships with our brothers and sisters in the gospel.
Recalibration is important in every aspect of humanity, including our relationship with Jesus Christ and with others.
Most of us are aware of areas in our lives that need correction and adjustment.
What needs re-calibrating in your life?

Scaling

“On a 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 of 1 to 10, where do you currently rate yourself?”.
As a coach and mentor, frequently I use the 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 approach to measure progress.
As the coach, it can provide me with some really valuable insight into the coachee, their thinking and where they are at a given point in time with any specific situation.
Here are some examples:
On a 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 of 1 -10…
…to what degree have you made progress towards this goal?
…how satisfied are you in this area?
…how determined are you to take this action.
There are always powerful benefits of 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 too in turn for the coachee, by helping them to assess their position in relation to their ideal outcome i.e. their 10/10.
Many follow up questions usually follow on, as I probe further in any given situation where someone is trying to progress…
For example here is one situation to consider:
• You said that you were a 3 in regard to your confidence when providing feedback to your team member.
• Tell me what makes it a 3 for you, what is your experience?
• What does it feel like being a 3?
• What are you thinking about as a 3?
• What are the reasons for a 3?
• What feedback have you had to suggest you might be a 3?
• What are the reasons you are a 3 as opposed to a 7?
• What’s the difference for you?
• …….And many other questions follow on too!
It is more important to focus on the differences and then on the progress that can be made.
I have found 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 to be a particularly helpful tool and use it frequently…
It’s great to try it out!
How can you apply this tool in your coaching conversations?

Measuring Progress

How do you measure your progress?
….It’s just gone 6.50am and I am doing good!
One of my favourite Christmas presents is my water bottle.
It allows me to measure the amount of water I drink, by the hour, throughout the entire day.
No more counting glasses for me…
With this I can see the progress I am making to achieve my daily 2 litre goal.
I love it!!
It is a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Targeted) way of setting a daily goal.
The first step to measure progress is to set a goal…
There is however little point in setting a goal if you will never know whether you were successful or not.
To determine the level of success, you must be able to measure your progress.
When you measure your progress, you see exactly how you are getting along, which in turn can act as a great motivator for you to stick with something.
In my experience, the fact that you are making progress will give you the drive and energy to stick with the goal.
How do you measure your progress with your personal goals?