Data is everywhere. Every time you tap your credit card, walk past CCTV, scroll social media, or ask Siri a question, your data is being captured. Your car tracks your driving habits, your online shopping history predicts your next purchase, and your smartwatch knows how well you slept last night (or didn’t).
We’re surrounded by data, yet most of us aren’t using it to our advantage – especially when it comes to our performance.
I love data. I’m constantly reading research reports, journal articles, and studies because data removes the guesswork. It helps me work out what’s happening in workplaces, what leaders need to build great cultures, what teams should focus on to improve their performance, and what supports people to thrive.
Most businesses measure performance metrics. The smartest ones measure people. Because when people are thriving, results follow.
But here’s the problem – many individuals, leaders, and teams aren’t tracking what really matters. And if you’re not measuring, you’re probably guessing.
Tracking the Right Data
We tend to think of data as numbers in a spreadsheet, but it’s much broader than that. If you’ve been to one of my webinars (the first for 2025 is happening next Thursday!), you’ll know I always start by asking you to answer: How are you? Using a simple scale from Burning Out to Thriving (as seen on the graph below).
This one question alone can give me some powerful insights – it reveals how people are really doing, what they might need, and uncovers broader workplace trends.
My research over the years has shown that close to 40% of people are operating below the line. Recent data from Be Well Co suggests 20% of Australians are Languishing. And reports like The State of Workplace Burnout 2024 suggest that up to 40% of Australians are experiencing Burnout.
They might be different numbers but they have the same message. The majority aren’t thriving. And here’s the reality – if your people aren’t thriving, neither is your business.
From Data to Action
Data isn’t just about numbers – it’s about understanding what drives performance. It’s about tracking why things are moving and most importantly taking action to change them. And when it comes to performance, that means understanding yourself and your people.
Recently, when kicking off a leadership program, I had a group map out where their teams were – using a similar Burning Out to Thriving scale. Then, we looked at the impact:
- Above the line → Higher engagement, stronger cultures, better retention, and increased performance.
- Below the line → Low morale, reduced motivation, higher absenteeism, poor team cohesion, and declining results.
Their words, not mine. And you could literally hear the penny drop when they saw the direct connection between wellbeing and performance – at both an individual and organisational level.
We all intuitively know this – but seeing the data makes it impossible to ignore.
Why Don’t People Track?
It can feel overwhelming when you have access to too much information. There may be concern that the facts will challenge long-held beliefs. But I think for some, there is a fear of what the data might reveal. What if it shows inefficiencies, disengagement, toxicity or burnout?
But the truth is: avoiding data doesn’t change reality. It just keeps you in the dark.
The best individual and leaders embrace data because it helps them make smarter, faster decisions. It empowers them to take the actions that are needed.
That said, not all data is useful. Research can be misinterpreted, and some correlations are a little ridiculous…
If we believed everything we read, we’d think:
- The number of people drowning in pools increases when Nicholas Cage releases more movies.
- Eating more cheese increases your risk of dying from tangled bedsheets.
- If people in Maine stop consuming margarine, the divorce rate will drop.
(Spurious Correlations – data doesn’t lie, but it can definitely mislead!)
What Will You Measure?
Tracking data isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. Seeing the numbers often ignites a desire for us to improve. That’s why tools like Fitbits work, and gamification drives action. When we see progress, we keep pushing forward.
For individuals, tracking the right data helps you understand what’s working and where you need to focus to improve your energy, wellbeing, and performance.
For leaders, tracking the right data helps you assess how your people are doing and where intervention is needed to improve engagement, retention, and overall results.
And right now – the start of the year – is the perfect time to do it!
To help you with this, I’ve updated my STRONGER diagnostic – a simple way to assess where you are and what needs focus. You can take it now by clicking on one of the links below:
Don’t leave your 2025 success to chance. Measure what matters.
So, how will you measure what you treasure?