Bonus Chapter From the Engaging The Field Handbook
The Truth About Data and “Data Driven” People
We’ve already redefined intelligence and learning.
Thus, we must also redefine a few other things by reasoning from those new definitions.
Given the new definition of “learning” and “intelligence”, I have a question for you..
What is the purpose of data?
It might be tempting to say “to know stuff”...
Why would you step on the scale?
“So I know how much I weigh”
Why would you look at your stocks?
“So I know what what they’re worth”
Why would you look at your ad metrics?
“So I can see how they are doing”
It makes sense…
..Through the lens of the classroom definition of intelligence where knowing about stuff is considered intelligence.
But what about from the perspective of Engaging the Field?
If intelligence is increasing your ability to get what you want and learning is “same circumstance, different behavior” then the only purpose of data is…
To justify or inform a change in behavior.
If you look at data without the willingness or ability to change your behavior right now, there is no benefit. Knowing stuff without changing your behavior is pointless in the real world. You can, however, incur negative feelings or emotions if you don’t like what you see or the data doesn't match your expectation.
So, should you step on the scale? Look at your stocks? Peek at your ad metrics?
It depends.
If your behavior has already been decided and it is not going to change…
No, you shouldn’t.
If you’re in a place where you’re ready, willing and able to change something…
Yes, it makes sense to look at the data.
Does looking at data increase your ability to get what you want?
If you follow the rules above, yes.
If not, no.
In fact, making impulsive decisions based on the negative emotion incurred by “wanting to know” will likely make it more difficult to get what you want.
A high frequency of exposure to data often decreases your intelligence.
More on this in “Frequency of Exposure”.
Resources:
The Engaging The Field Handbook
ETF Handbook 1.2 The Truth About Data and Data Driven People