The Studer Institute exists for one reason: To improve the quality of life for people.

To do this, we will measure performance in key areas; shine a light on people, organizations and methods that work so others may learn from them; recognize areas and people performing well; identify areas that are falling short; and seek accountability of those who make public promises.

A common saying is, “What gets measured, gets focused on.” What better to focus on than those measures important to a good quality of life.  Let’s look at a few examples of how measures — or dashboards — are used.

Imagine that you are driving down the road and the dashboard on the car goes out. Does this create anxiety? Could it create safety issues? The answers, of course, are yes. The metrics on a dashboard help us operate a vehicle in a safe manner, warn us about potential dangers (oil, water, battery) and remind us to buckle up.

What fills a dashboard? Key measurements.

The first thing that takes place when we see a doctor is measurement. From updated insurance information to weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, these vital measures  help us know if we need to make lifestyle changes. They also help medical professionals give us feedback on what is good and suggestions for treating the ills we face.

Today, dashboards are used in all well-run organizations to set goals and monitor performance. They provide a way to show success, recognize good work and point out areas of concern.

Selecting the right goals is crucial. There are no more important goals in the world than those that most impact our community’s quality of life.

Of course, measures are only as good as those collecting the data. This is why the Studer Institute is the right organization to operate the Quality of Life Dashboard. We are a not-for-profit. We are independent. There will be no spinning of data. We will seek out and report the data, utilizing the best sources available.

Those who want the best quality of life will like the dashboard. Even if it points out areas that need improvement, we cannot be afraid to hold up the mirror, take accountability and work hard to make things better.

Until I moved here, I had never heard the statement: “I don’t have a dog in this hunt.” I came to learn it was used either to note an objective viewpoint or to say it does not matter to me.

At the Studer Institute, we do have a dog in this hunt. I hope we all do. That hunt is to do all we can to attain and sustain the highest quality of life for people.