managing info overload

 

MAY 31, 2012 Thu

Manage the Information Avalanche

Gone are the days of regular rhythms for reviewing performance, plans, and strategies. Now, most leaders receive a constant stream of data about customers, operations, markets, competitors, and more. Here are three ways to handle the information free-for-all: Focus on a few key indicators. Don't try to absorb everything. Pay attention to what matters and enables you to take action. Differentiate opinion from data. Don't take one person's word as truth. People may observe the same event and interpret it differently based on their own biases. Use information as a basis for dialogue. Take advantage of your team to help you sort through and interpret information. Ask for their thoughts on trends they see in the data stream.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Managing the Information Avalanche" by Ron Ashkenas.