Why do we measure?
I've been reading 'How to measure anything - Finding the value of intangibles in business, 3rd edition' (you should read this, too) and it has completely revised how I approach problems.
The biggest thing to me is this: My understanding of WHAT a measurement is and WHY we measure things has completely and fundamentally changed.
Pretend someone asked you 'what is a measurement?'. Now do the same thing for 'why do we measure'. Answer the questions then scroll down.
Compare to this:
What: A measurement is the reduction of uncertainty based on observations.
Why: Because we are trying to reduce the risk in a decision we need to make.
I am (badly) paraphrasing/summarizing...but that's the gist. A reduction of uncertainty - NOT the elimination of uncertainty. And measurement now has a PURPOSE - to help you reduce risk when making decisions. It starts with knowing what decision you need to make.
So simple, but so powerful. You should really go get that book now, I don't want to spoil anything else.
The biggest thing to me is this: My understanding of WHAT a measurement is and WHY we measure things has completely and fundamentally changed.
Pretend someone asked you 'what is a measurement?'. Now do the same thing for 'why do we measure'. Answer the questions then scroll down.
Compare to this:
What: A measurement is the reduction of uncertainty based on observations.
Why: Because we are trying to reduce the risk in a decision we need to make.
I am (badly) paraphrasing/summarizing...but that's the gist. A reduction of uncertainty - NOT the elimination of uncertainty. And measurement now has a PURPOSE - to help you reduce risk when making decisions. It starts with knowing what decision you need to make.
So simple, but so powerful. You should really go get that book now, I don't want to spoil anything else.
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