When you set out to achieve something, the question "what are the results" is rarely just a casual inquiry; it is the fundamental measure of your effort's validity. Results are the tangible or intangible outcomes that emerge from a specific set of actions, decisions, and circumstances. They are the data points that tell us whether we moved the needle, solved a problem, or created something new. Understanding what constitutes a genuine result, as opposed to mere activity, is the first step in turning effort into achievement.
The Distinction Between Output and Outcome
To truly grasp what are the results, you must differentiate between output and outcome. Output is the direct product of your work—the report you wrote, the call you made, the code you committed. It is the immediate consequence of your labor. An outcome, however, is the impact or change that output creates. For example, writing a report (output) is not the same as the report leading to a new company policy (outcome). The former is a task completed; the latter is a result realized. Focusing solely on output keeps you busy, while focusing on outcome ensures you are effective.
Categories of Results
The landscape of what are the results is diverse, generally falling into two broad categories: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative results are numerical and easily measured. They include metrics like revenue growth, sales figures, conversion rates, or project completion times. These results provide clear, objective evidence of performance. Qualitative results, on the other hand, are descriptive and relate to perceptions, feelings, and experiences. They encompass brand reputation, customer satisfaction, team morale, and the quality of a user experience. Both types are essential for a complete picture of success.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Impact
Another critical lens for examining results is the timeline of their impact. Short-term results are the immediate effects of an action, visible within days or weeks. They are the early wins that signal progress, such as launching a feature or closing a single deal. Long-term results, however, are the strategic outcomes that manifest over months or years. These include market dominance, sustained customer loyalty, or the establishment of a thought leadership position. Understanding this difference prevents the mistake of celebrating quick fixes that do nothing to build lasting value.
The Role of Measurement and Analysis
You cannot manage what you do not measure, and you cannot understand what are the results without rigorous analysis. This requires establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) before you begin a project. By setting clear benchmarks, you create a standard against which to compare your actual results. The analysis phase involves looking at the data, asking "why" behind the numbers, and separating correlation from causation. This transforms raw data into actionable intelligence, revealing not just what happened, but why it happened and how to replicate or correct it.
Navigating Unexpected and Negative Results
Results are not always positive, and a mature approach to "what are the results" must include the capacity to confront failure. Negative results are not merely setbacks; they are powerful teachers. They highlight flaws in strategy, assumptions, or execution. The ability to analyze a failed initiative without assigning blame, but instead focusing on the systemic causes, is what turns failure into fuel for future innovation. Documenting these negative outcomes is just as valuable as documenting successes, as they provide a roadmap for avoiding future pitfalls.
The Strategic Value of Communicating Results
The final piece of understanding what are the results lies in communication. Results locked in a spreadsheet have limited value; they must be translated into a narrative that stakeholders can understand and act upon. This involves tailoring the message to your audience—executives need the high-level impact, while team members need to see their specific contributions. Transparent communication of results builds trust, aligns the organization, and creates the momentum needed to drive the next cycle of improvement. It closes the loop between effort and recognition.
