If you can't quantify, make it tangible

Often times, bosses want to assess an employee's progress by looking at statistics that validate said progress. But meaningful 'quants' - quantifiable data - aren't always available. (And just because certain statistics can be collected doesn't mean that they're the right statistics to be looking at.)

So what can you do when there are no stats to provide? Provide tangible data. Examples of tangible data include:

• a completed report
• an optimized workflow
• a fully-articulated strategy
• new customer endorsements
• meetings with higher-level vendor personnel
• a problem avoided - yes, as counter-intuitive as this may seem, the absence of something can be considered a form of tangible data

Obviously quants are best - especially when the boss is looking for them. But as Henry Clay said: "Statistics are no substitute for judgment." So don't underestimate the value of having gotten things done.

Just be ready to explain how your tangibles meaningfully advanced the business, operation, department, etc.