What kind of indicator would a project manager use to assess future performance?

A project manager would use a leading indicator to assess future performance because leading indicators are predictive metrics that provide insights into potential future outcomes. They help in identifying trends and forecasting project success. For example, a measure like the number of tasks completed on schedule or the team’s overall productivity could indicate if the project is likely to meet its deadlines and objectives. This proactive approach allows project managers to adjust plans in advance and take corrective actions if needed, ultimately supporting project success.

Lagging indicators, on the other hand, reflect past performance and outcomes, making them less useful for forecasting future developments. Reflective measures may focus on retrospective analysis, which also does not offer predictive insight. Qualitative measures, while valuable for capturing subjective aspects such as stakeholder satisfaction or team morale, do not serve the same function as leading indicators in terms of predicting future performance.