Some weeks ago I encountered a quote from Einstein: Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts. While I found the quote to be very insightful, it was even more interesting to me after learning that he kept this on the door of his office at Princeton. As it is arguably a life quote of such a great mind, it deserves serious consideration.

What is counted?
People love lists. Information may be good or helpful, but if it can be encapsulated into the form of a list, then it seems to take on some new value. I see this as prevalent in academia (information that is designed for rote memory makes the exam process easier for the professor), business (see anything written by John Maxwell and so many others), pop culture (view the most popular items on social sites such as digg.com), etc. Anytime something can be graphed, charted, diagramed, or illustrated in some way it works effectively for a 24/7 news culture that is driven by a host of media including blogs.

Several years ago I read a biography about Sumner Redstone, the iconic head of Viacom media. According to the biography, Mr. Redstone was passionate about acquiring MTV because he wanted to change culture. No discussion or insight was given regarding how he hoped to influence lives for the better. The author offered no metaphysical discussion or analysis. It appeared that simply to be one that had exerted influence in any way was a worthy goal. My question was whether or not this was worth counting?

In Russia as well as some other Eastern European countries, I have seen and heard on multiple occasions that owners are looking to minimize the amount of inventory lost through theft by customers and employees. One business owner stated that this was his number one concern. Once again I would ask the question…is this worth counting?

What does count?
This is the hard question. This is where easy answers must be discarded and real, serious thinking must take place. The idea that what is worthy of being counted is only that which is easily quantifiable has to be called into question. At this point, a return to an individual’s or a company’s mission and values is essential.

A few years ago I read that GM had the highest volume in sales in Europe through their Opel brand. However, GM lost money that same year in Europe. The question had to be asked…did the highest sales volume count? What should have been done differently? What would have counted? What should our margin goals, SGA, etc. have been?

I started to provide some ideas on the Viacom/MTV issue and how one can address lossage at this point. However, I think it better to leave that at this time to allow a reader the opportunity to hone their skills on asking…“What does count?” (Feel free to put any thoughts you would like to share down for others to take up.)

Thinking through the issue of what is worthy of being counted and whether or not it is countable has a far-reaching, long-term impact. Every business manager, executive, MBA student or graduate, parent, politician, etc. would do well to spend time here often.

Thank you Mr. Einstein for the challenge you struggled with and offer to us. It will not be an easy task for us, but, if we do so, it will count.

 
GHP provides a fully-accredited, state-of-the-art, western MBA program in Russia as well as corporate training and career development opportunities.

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