What is it about our culture that we like about keeping score? When I coached my kids in their youth sports (as in 8 years and younger), the league would not allow scoring--something about harming the self esteem of these kids. Yeah, right.

So why was it that every mom in the stands was keeping score? They knew the numbers, and so did dads.  Here's the reason. We want to know if we're winning, plain and simple.

Before I get on a soapbox about kid sports and scorekeeping, let's move this to the business realm. In spite of our desire to know the score at all times on the sports field, I find it odd we don't have the same scorekeepng mentality in our businesses.  In fact, some of my new clients have not looked at a P&L for months let alone a simple weekly scoring system that tells them if they are winning or losing the battle.

I truly believe every business owner should have a simple scorecard where the business owner can track 4 or 5 key numbers each week. These should be the most relevant numbers you can think of (think gas gauge or check engine light in your car--pretty important).

Below is a very, very simple example of what I'm describing. In fact, the sample below is taken from a new scoring system I'm implementing for one of my clients.

 
Once you create your scorecard, I highly recommend you fill in the numbers yourself the first few weeks. Many of your managers will provide you the numbers, but I WANT YOU to complete the scorecard. I promise that you will be moved to some action as you start looking at these numbers weekly which is the purpose.  Also, do not be amazed if you start seeing improvement where you are tracking results. I'm sure my Ivy League buddies at our firm could explain this phenomenon--all I know is that it works.

By the way, keep it very simple. If you want to use pencil and paper, that's fine.  Want to do the tracking on your cell phone, go for it. But the message is the same.  Start the process now so that you'll know the score at all times.

Need a kickstart in getting this scorecard started? I can easily think of over 100 professionals that could help (even over the phone or via webinars). Here's your headstart by clicking here: B2B CFO Partners.