English term (edited): lead indicator

In eerste instantie had ik dezelfde gedachte als Ellis. Het begrip blijkt echter een specifiekere betekenis te hebben. Zie onderstaand artikel over het verschil tussen "lead indicators" en "lag indicators".

All too often we concentrate on measuring results, outputs and outcomes, why? Because they are easy to measure and they are accurate. If we want to know how many sales have been made this month, we simply count them. If we want to know how many accidents have occurred on the factory floor, we consult the accident log.

If however, we want to increase the number of sales in a month or decrease the number of accidents then these measures are of very little help. Yes they provide a benchmark to determine month on month improvement, but they do not help make the improvement itself. This type of measure is referred to as a Lag indicator. It is an after-the-event measurement, essential for charting progress but useless when attempting to influence the future.

To influence the future, a different type of measurement is required, one that is predictive rather than a result. For example, if we want to increase sales, a predictive measure could be to make more sales calls or run more marketing campaigns. If we wanted to decrease accidents on the factory floor we could make safety training mandatory for all employees or force them to wear hard-hats at all times. Measuring these activities provides us with a set of lead indicators. They are in-process measures and are predictive.
http://www.intrafocus.com/lead-and-lag-indicators/