No Excuses Leadership

Data Over Emotion

As you may know, I spend much of my time hosting professional workshops, leadership academies, and institutes across the country.  In doing so, I speak to thousands of educators who have a variety of perspectives and opinions. While I'm strong in my own convictions, I know that my viewpoints mean nothing without data. Many do not take this same stance.

Not long ago I was speaking to several hundred teachers from the same district.  When sharing the latest data on the number of minimum wage jobs in decline, one teacher stood up and said, "I don't believe in that!"  Surprised, I asked, "What is it you don't believe in? Data?" As it turned out, she later admitted to me that she was simply venting because of her own personal and political leanings. And, honestly, I get that.  We can all be victim to such thinking.

 Because of this, I've made it a core value to be open to new ideas, strategies, and methods when the data warrants.  In fact, many of my perspectives have changed over the last 15 years as the data have changed.  Case in point: If you heard me speak 10 years ago, you would have heard about how I believed that every student needed to attend a four year college.  In the last few years however, pathways to a great career have revealed themselves via an associates degree or trade school certificate.  I now offer much of my time promoting a variety of pathways to a variety of careers.  Why? Because I choose data over emotion. 

TAKE ACTION

Be honest with yourself and list all of the areas where you are currently choosing emotion over data. 

BE BOLD

I saw this graphic and think it's a great jumping off point to test just how data driven you are as a leader.  Where do you land?

(My apologies as I do not know the original source of this graphic.)