4 Q's - Taming the Zoo of Complexity

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Quintessential Thought

Working with stakeholders is challenging. Each has their own unique flavor and some are extremely difficult. One of the most difficult is that of the ZEBRA - someone who has Zero Evidence But is Really Arrogant. This stakeholder, in their natural habitat, has lots of opinions but no data to back them up. This stakeholder is one of the most dangerous. In a complex world, where we need to move fast to learn, this can often have the adverse effect - wasting time and effort that doesn’t increase learning.

How to counter? Gather data! Having our key metrics, such as using a tool like Evidence-Based Management, and by arming yourself with data beforehand, you can head off ZEBRAs and other dangerous animals.

Quotes

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts. - Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Stubborn and ardent clinging to one's opinion is the best proof of stupidity. - Michel do Montaigne

The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion. - Arnold H. Glasow

It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. - Sherlock Holmes

Quick Step

Gather two pieces of meaningful data for your product. Talk about them frequently. Especially with those ZEBRAs.

Question

Where have opinions without data guided your product before? What was the result?

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