The Amherst Court Jester: Michelangelo and the Consulting Firm Circa 1508 AD

Consultant: Good morning, Mr. Angelo

Michelangelo: Excuse me?

Consultant: You are Mr. Angelo?. – Michael Angelo? Can I call you Mike?

Michelangelo: My name is Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni.

Consultant: Of course, Mr. di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni. Can I call you Mike?

Michelangelo: No.

Consultant: Very well. My name is Arthur Fastidioso, of the consulting firm of Fastidioso, Fastidioso, and Stucchevole. Our firm has been engaged by the Vatican board of directors to conduct an evaluation of your proposed painting of the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. I’d like to ask you a number of questions.

Michelangelo: Yes, please.

Consultant: To begin, what is the goal of this project?

Michelangelo: The goal is to create a divine creation to the glory of our Lord.

Consultant: Yes, is that a SMART goal?

Michelangelo: Smart? What could be smarter than sanctifying a holy space?

Consultant: No, SMART:

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Based.

Michelangelo: Excuse me?

Consultant: Let’s begin, creating a “divine creation to the glory of our Lord” is not particularly specific. This is the 16^th Century, and we can’t just move forward with dreamy, inarticulate goals. What will be in the creation, and how will it impact the “glory of your Lord?” We will need your KPI’s.

Michelangelo: Keppis? Isn’t that Yiddish for “heads”?

Consultant: No, KPI’s, Key Performance Indicators. How will you judge the impact of your efforts?

Michelangelo: I will create a masterpiece for the ages.

Consultant: Mr. Angelo, that is an output, not an outcome. A painting is an output. What changes in behavior will your painting create?

Michelangelo: The souls of thousands will be elevated, their spirits will lift up to God.

Consultant: Excellent, what metrics will you use to measure the elevating of spirits?

Michelangelo: Metrics?

Consultant: Yes, how will you measure changes in behavior and the movements of these spirits? Feet? Meters? Cubits?

Michelangelo: How can one measure the soul? This is very difficult for me. It is as if I am David facing Goliath. Wait, I have another idea.