Using Predictive Data to Improve
Ever since I first grasped the concept of "the numbers game" I've been fascinated with statistics and predictable outcomes. Can we apply empirical data to improve ourselves, the teams we're part of and the company or organization we work for? Yes we can.
I still vividly remember a particular math class in primary school. We were assigned the task of observing traffic from a bridge, with cars driving underneath it. From where we were standing we could easily witness whether or not each driver had fastened their seat belt. We also kept track of some other data which quickly revealed some patterns.
The strange thing was, the numbers always came out pretty much the same. I learnt quite a few things that day. Among others, given the right conditions, sufficiently large groups of people (i.e. "populations") are predictable. Just like the weather forecast is able to foresee weather variations, so can also pure observation teach us about people. Even though we're all different, in large numbers, we can act on assumptions that will support us in any collaboration to produce successful results.
Why is this so exciting to me? Let me tell you... in so many ways! Let me highlight two perspectives in which "large numbers" can be applied on a practical level.
Macro Trends (Many People)
Every time I head up a new project that involves a lot of people, I know the best way to succeed is to first know something about pains and gains. If a certain percentage of people have the same pain, I know there's an equivalent need on the reverse side. The people with the need should be listened to. That listening is the essence of what I do all the time. It's the best guarantee for success. I have yet to see a project that fails beginning with and based on listening to the people with a screaming need. (And if you can't find an immediate need, you simply continue by listening more ;-)
Micro Trends (One Person)
Patterns can be found in groups of people, but patterns can also be found in individuals if you observe them over time. In this way, "the large numbers" can reveal and predict habits or trends which can be used to map out behavior. I use this on myself as well as on others in coaching. It's a powerful tool. (If you want help observing yourself, let me know, and I'll help you get started - all depending on what you'd like to accomplish.)
It will surprise you how much --observation with regular intervals-- can do for you to help eliminate and replace dysfunctional behavior. This year I'll be working closely with Knut Vareide on one (or more) research projects. Knut is well known in Norway for measuring societal trends and I thoroughly enjoy both his expertise and friendship. Knut Vareide just recently set up a blog on regional development, which I believe will be interesting to follow.
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