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The Analytics Power Hour

#254: Is Your Use of Benchmarks Above Average? with Eric Sandosham

Sep 17, 2024
01:04:35
Snipd AI
Eric Sandosham, founder and partner at Red & White Consulting Partners, joins the conversation to challenge the effectiveness of benchmarks in business. He argues that much of the data lacks context and can lead to complacency. The hosts discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on external evaluation and the importance of internal data. They explore the nuances of using benchmarks for setting targets and even critique common metrics like the Net Promoter Score. With a blend of humor and insight, they encourage listeners to rethink the role of benchmarks in decision-making.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Overreliance on external benchmarks can dilute an organization's specific operational context and hinder innovation or unique value enhancement.
  • Benchmarks often encourage a reactive strategy, where companies measure success against external standards instead of proactively defining their own targets.

Deep dives

The Obsession with Comparisons

Humans have an innate tendency to make comparisons, which extends into the business realm where organizations frequently seek benchmarks to evaluate their performance. This stems from a psychological need to understand one's position relative to others, a concept often contradicted by advice from parents to focus on personal progress instead. In a consulting context, clients commonly request benchmarks as a starting point for discussions, treating them like external yardsticks that help map their standing in the industry. However, this focus on external comparisons can sometimes overshadow the need for a deeper understanding of their unique operational strategies and goals.

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