I’m going to be doing more “VBlogs” (Video Blogs), as I’m finding them an interesting way to share my thoughts and insights. This one deals with emotion in performance measurement, as stated in the title: that is, having some degree of enthusiasm, passion, etc. for what we do. Hope you find it of interest.
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As someone who’s been “retired” from the performance measurement ‘game’ (or at least getting paid to do it), your blog really hit home. What can compare with the exhilaration of the month-end, quarter-end, year-end flood of data that come in to be sliced, diced and made nice?
Of course, the audience for the results now is much more critical, because it’s our own portfolio I’m doing the calculations upon. 😰
But I still love to read about all the changes and enhancements to performance measurement calculations and reporting as I look back fondly on the days of reports on papyrus and clay tablets.
Tom, thank you for your comments.
Sadly, the youth (anyone < 50) don't appreciate what "portfolio accounting systems" used to be (i.e., monthly or quarterly striped paper statements), with no automation to be found. You should contribute an article to The Journal of Performance Measurement (send it to DougSpaulding@SpauldingGrp.com), providing insights into your memories of times past.
Hi there David and thanks for the post! I couldn’t agree more that people can be (and are indeed) passionate about investment performance measurement, and I certainly count myself as one within that camp. I believe that when you interviewed me briefly as an “investment performance professional” for the Journal a while back, I shared my opinion that this area of expertise allows one to be a “specialist” in a particular niche (performance measurement) while simultaneously operating as “generalist” across asset classes, investment vehicles, and business lines – which is a fulfilling combination for those of us to whom the profession has been kind. The one regret that I have (and it is a small one) is that some of the nuances of our craft aren’t necessarily “sexy” topics for family gatherings or cocktail parties, although one can always steer the conversation back to personal finance & investing, which is (or at least should be) of interest to anyone. Thanks again.
John, thanks for your comments. I’m sure your relatives may occasionally look for investment advice.
I guess “sexy” may also be in the eyes of the beholder, though I concur w/your comments.