5 Ways We Measure Progress

At PMG (Progress Management Group), Progress isn't in our name by accident or random choice. It's in our name because it is meaningful to how we work, do business and build our culture. It is foundational to who we are.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, progress is defined as "advancement to a further or higher stage, or to further or higher stages successively; growth; development, usually to a better state or condition; improvement".

However, the technical definition of progress doesn't capture what it specifically means to us or how we measure it. So, what is progress to us? Here are 5 things we consider when thinking about progress.

1. Progress is About Shared Expertise

"The whole is more than the sum of its parts" is a great description of the expertise and skills we bring to a project. Every team member has a unique background, experience, and skill set. Individually, they provide valuable expertise and capability. Taken together, they amplify what we can do as a team. Our culture encourages everyone to share their expertise. It is a way to further the progress of the skills of those they work with. And that attitude is extended to the collaboration with our partners. It's a net gain for everyone. And that's progress.

2. Progress is About Agility

Every project has its own unknown challenges. The ability to adapt quickly is essential. This agility helps ensure that whatever the challenge is, it can be overcome. Agility keeps a project moving forward with a focus on key project objectives. And agility has proven to be a catalyst for innovation. When unexpected problems arise, creative thinking is needed to arrive at a solution. Problems are not barriers but opportunities for progress.

3. Progress is About Promises Kept

As the saying goes - "It's not the promises you make but the promises you keep that's truly important." It's what builds confidence and trust with both clients and employees. That leads to long lasting loyalty. And keeping promises is an investment in a company's reputation that enhances its image and perception in the market. Every commitment kept reinforces strong relationships that are invaluable in building long-term brand value. Reliability is one of the most important considerations in why a contractor is chosen over competitors. It's a competitive advantage. Every promise kept, every commitment fulfilled, and every expectation met is essential to the growth and progress of any successful business.

4. Progress is About Results

Results are more than just getting a project finished. Quality of work, concept interpretation, budget, sustainability, and many other considerations factor into getting the job done. While completing a project on time and on budget are important, it's the outcome, benefit, and value of the work that ultimately matter. Tenant finish work is more than just building the physical environment. It's the user experience that lives well beyond the finish date.

Projects are advanced through a step-by-step process. Each step produces an outcome. All of the steps taken together end in a result and learning. It's the results that represent progress towards meeting the initial expected benefit and knowledge to solve the next challenge.

5. Progress is About Giving Back

Progress is not just about us. It's about giving back to the community that we live and work in. Giving back is an important part of our DNA. We do this through direct contributions, sponsorships, education, and other forms of participation. It is important to share our success and our knowledge to the benefit of others in the community. Our employees feel more motivated by working in a company that has a higher sense of purpose. Social responsibility is important to our customers who share like values. And we want to build a reputation for contributing to the overall well-being of our community. Helping our community is helping it progress.

The Truth About Progress

Progress, in whatever form, isn't necessarily simple, easy, or straightforward. It often involves setbacks. It may come down to a "trial and error" approach. Experimenting with different methods may be the means to ultimately achieve success. But these are challenges that bring with it opportunities for innovation and creative thinking. It's the sort of thing that can be inspiring and motivating. And that's true progress.