Eliminate to optimize
So much of data management is habit (both good and bad) which is why I love James Clear's Atomic Habits. Implementing better data management habits can help you improve the quality of your data.
Here's another quote from Clear that applies to data management:
"More effort is wasted doing things that don’t matter than is wasted doing things inefficiently. Elimination is the highest form of optimization." - James Clear
Where does this apply? Here are just a few examples:
- Do you actually use all the demographic data you collect during the join process?
- Do you produce a printed directory that no one uses?
- Do you mail printed membership cards or attendance certificates that no one uses?
- Do you produce periodic reports or memos that no one actually reads?
My experience with clients is that most organizations have one or more processes in place that simply aren't needed anymore. They can be eliminated. And as Clear states, elimination is the highest form of optimization.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Once you know, what will you do?
Once you know, what will you do? I’ve yet to meet a client who didn’t […]
If it’s not in your AMS, why not?
If it’s not in your AMS, why not? I like to tell my clients they’ll […]
Why checkboxes and tags are awesome and dangerous
Why checkboxes and tags are awesome and dangerous One of the most common functions in […]
Don’t miss obvious engagement data
Don’t miss obvious engagement data What I’ve experienced with my clients over the years is […]
All data requires active management
All data requires active management It’s a simple fact of data management that is often […]
Documentation is critical for consistency
Documentation is critical for consistency There are so many reasons why documenting your data management […]
Consumer demands change and technology changes
Consumer demands change and technology changes When I work with clients on the selection of […]
Why I write
Why I write Thirty years ago, I started a new job as director of membership […]
DAN – The Data Analytics Network
DAN – The Data Analytics Network I’m a huge fan of users groups (both internal […]
Process before technology
Process before technology In a conversation with a client recently, I was reminded (yet again) […]