Positive change is harder to see
Humans are wired to see negative change because we need to protect ourselves; a negative change is seen as a risk and a danger. Positive change is much more difficult to see; there's no risk involved.
Think about it this way: When there's a negative change with your data (e.g., a board member's email address is incorrect), it is a problem, everyone knows about it, and often we rush to fix it. When there's a positive change (e.g., all the board members' email addresses have been updated and are now 100% accurate), we rarely notice, and it's even more rare that we say anything about it.
This is why I recommend that data managers practice database public relations. Because positive change is much more difficult to see than negative change, we have to make a proactive effort to highlight all the positive change going on around us.
![]()
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
For data governance, ask “Why?”
For data governance, ask “Why?” Recently I’ve had the opportunity to work on several data […]
More on Meetings
More on Meetings I’ve written before about the importance of making sure your meetings are […]
Action produces momentum
Action produces momentum Another great quote from James Clear: “Motivation often comes after starting, not […]
My #1 Best Practice…
My #1 Best Practice… A client recently asked me: “If you had to pick a single […]
Encourage engagement with prizes!
Encourage engagement with prizes! One of the biggest challenges any organization faces when implementing a new […]
Inertia
Inertia One definition of inertia is “to remain unchanged.” My sense is that many association processes, projects, or […]
When’s the “least bad” time?
When’s the “least bad” time? When working with clients on a new project, especially a […]
A poor launch can set the stage for YEARS
A poor launch can set the stage for YEARS It is not uncommon for me […]
Have the courage of your convictions
Have the courage of your convictions Having the courage of your convictions means you’re willing […]
Even your online directory is out of date!
Even your online directory is out of date! Back in the day of printed directories, […]
