Definition
A lag measure is the result tape — revenue booked, weight on the scale, inbox at zero — readable only after the behaviours that produced it.
Origin
Execution management literature (McChesney, Covey, Huling 4 Disciplines of Execution tradition) contrasts lag vs lead indicators. When a lag flatters without steering, pair with Vanity Metric.
Mechanism
| Lag | Lead | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | After the work | During the work |
| Steering | Diagnostic | Operational |
| Risk | Vanity if alone | Neglect if alone |
Doctrine holds the paired grammar: Lag vs Lead Measure.
Applications
Use lag measures as honest outcome tape after the work window closes — revenue booked, weight on the scale, deal signed. Pair every lag you track with at least one Lead Measure you control this week.
Sources
Cite
- McChesney, C., Covey, S., & Huling, J. (2012). The 4 disciplines of execution: Achieving your wildly important goals. Simon & Schuster
- McChesney, C., Covey, S., Huling, J., Thele, S., & Walker, B. (2021). The 4 disciplines of execution: Revised and updated. Simon & Schuster