Learn how to lose
“Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.” - Wilma Rudolph, Olympic champion
And here's the thing about data management. Your data (to some extent) always has errors. And chances are good, your system doesn't do everything you think it should. It's even possible it doesn't do what your vendor promised it would do!
There is always going to be some disappointment, some challenge, some "loss." What matters, as Rudolph so eloquently states, is how we respond to those challenges.
If you really want to be successful managing your data, acknowledge all that is or can go wrong, and work through it.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
All decisions involve risk
All decisions involve risk Whether it’s choosing a new AMS or introducing a new product […]
Try flowcharting your processes
Try flowcharting your processes Working with a client recently on their membership join process reminded me […]
“I just want a system I don’t have to fight with.”
“I just want a system I don’t have to fight with.” I asked my client: […]
Inertia Contributes to Bad Data
Inertia Contributes to Bad Data Without knowing anything about your organization or its data, I’d […]
What are you doing with new contacts?
What Are You Doing with New Contacts/ I was very interested to read in a […]
Be Aware of Selection Bias
Be Aware of Selection Bias I wrote recently about the mistaken perception of older members […]
Some Things Just Take Time
Some Things Just Take Time I learned recently that an elephant’s gestation period is 18 […]
Sometimes It’s the Least Bad Choice
Sometimes It’s the Least Bad Choice Just like in life, sometimes when we’re making technology […]
Our Members Aren’t Tech Savvy
Our Members Aren’t Tech Savvy Having worked now in the association space for more than […]
Motion vs. Action
Motion vs. Action One key to successful data management is understanding the difference between motion […]