This week on Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor tackles the trap of “smoking hopium”, when leaders rely on misleading metrics that give a false sense of security. From the all-green illusion of vanity measures to the always-red fantasy of unrealistic targets, Debra unpacks why both approaches damage trust, morale, and results. 

Through real-world stories and practical tools, she explains how to replace hopium with clarity: setting outcome-driven measurables, building scorecards that truly predict success, and fostering a culture where honest reds and greens are celebrated. 

Whether you’re a visionary frustrated with slow progress or a leader striving for accountability, this episode will equip you to measure what matters, set achievable goals, and build momentum the right way, one honest metric at a time. 

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         

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►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner 

►Connect with Debra: ⁠[email protected] ⁠ 

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       

Episode 236 Chapters:   

00:00 – Smoking Hopium: Introduction to Data Scorecards 

02:57 – The All-Green Illusion: Measuring the Wrong Things 

03:38 – The Always-Red Fantasy: Setting Realistic Targets 

05:45 – Replacing Hopium with Clarity: Practical Steps 

08:36 – The Importance of Numbers: Clarity, Behaviour, and Action 

08:50 – Scorecard Measurables: Sales, Marketing, HR, and Finance

27:44 – Building Trust in Numbers: Avoiding Manipulation 

28:52 – Fixing a Broken Scorecard: A Seven-Step Reset 

29:52 – The Five Leadership Abilities: Simplify, Delegate, Predict, Systemise, and Structure 

32:10 – Systemise and Structure: Ensuring Consistency and Accountability 

37:05 – Building a Culture of Truth: Celebrating Honest Results   

38:22 – Call to Action: Auditing and Improving Scorecards