It's ALWAYS about expectations
The headline reads: "Tesla sets record for vehicle deliveries, an increase of 40% over a year ago."
This is great news, right? I mean, they set a record! But not so fast. The next sentence reads: "However, the fourth-quarter numbers fell shy of analysts’ expectations."
Ahhh, "expectations."
They set a record, but it wasn't good enough, because some people expected more than just that.
I see this happen all the time when it comes to data management (I've written a ton about this in the past). When expectations aren't met, no matter how good you think you've done, you haven't done good enough.
So it's absolutely critical to set realistic expectations. Here are some that are true regardless of what system you use, or how much money you spend:
- You'll never have 100% accurate data.
- No system will do everything you want it to do.
- No system is up 100% of the time; sometimes it will be inaccessible.
- No system is completely "intuitive." The more complex our processes, the less intuitive it will be.
I'm sure you could add others. The key is to communicate these truths to your users, to help manage their expectations. Because even when you set records, that may not be good enough for people who were expecting even more!
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Painting the Bridge
Painting the Bridge According to this article, the Golden Gate Bridge is painted continuously year-round. …
Maintenance isn’t sexy
Maintenance isn’t sexy I remember reading once long ago that one of the reasons our …
“Will I still have a job when this is done?”
“Will I still have a job when this is done? While working with a client …
Evolution, not revolution
Evolution, not revolution I don’t recall where I first heard it many decades ago, but …
The power of the users’ group
The power of the users’ group Recently in an online users group forum for an …
Who is your data evangelist?
Who is your data evangelist? I was recently talking with a client of mine about …
Who is your data evangelist?
Who is your data evangelist? I was recently talking with a client of mine about …
Ratio of Data to Errors
Ratio of Data to Errors One of the elements of a good data governance plan …
Back to basics
Back to basics Over the past couple of years I’ve noticed that some AMS vendors …
Your people matter
Your people matter I’ve written many times about how people, process, and technology have to …