Session 8

I like to collect data on many aspects of my daily life, at work and at home. I believe that data will give a snapshot of a particular subject and help look at the big picture. Making informed decisions based on facts is important. In my job many decisions are made by looking at performance indexes. For example, some promotions are based on what we call “cutting score.” This is a composite number of performance on several activities such as the rifle range, physical fitness test, education courses, etc… This score, is compared to the minimum score projected for promotion for a particular occupation specialty, and if met along with time in grade, a promotion is granted. I believe this is a good way to do promotions. It is based on performance points that are taken from individual efforts making it a very personal score.

Higher promotions take in consideration a fitness report. This report is an assessment of leadership qualities. It is intended to present a fair and balanced word picture of the person up for promotion. This adds a variable into the equation. Many times the “painted” word picture will depend on the writing ability of the person submitting the fitness report. The result sometimes can be deceiving.

When a methodic study is done, variables are identified and attempted to be controlled to make the study more valid. This is a scientific approach; unfortunately, controlling variables is not always possible outside a scientific study. Therefore the data driven decision making can be skewed due to the human element and life. When decisions are made purely looking at numbers without taking in consideration the extenuating circumstances, wrong decisions can follow. Care, objectivity and knowledge about the subject must be a part of the person interpreting the results.

Weekly Log
- Download and listen to Session 8 mp3
- Post response items
- Continue working on projects
- Read classmates’ blog postings
- Post comments on classmates’ blogs