Present Sense: A Practical Guide to the Science of Measuring Performance and the Art of Communicating it, with the Brain in Mind

Steve Morlidge argues that performance reporting should be reconceived as an act of perception conducted on behalf of the organization, helping to make sense of the sensory inputs (data) that it has at its disposal. He suggests that performance reporters should learn from and exploit the strengths of their own brains, compensate for its weaknesses, and communicate in a way that makes it easy for their audiences' brains to assimilate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2019
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

In this thought-provoking yet pragmatic guidebook, Steve Morlidge expounds on why the traditional approach and methods of performance reporting, which have been imparted to information professionals, fall short. He argues that reporting on performance should not be perceived as mundane but rather as a crucial endeavor that requires a fresh perspective. This traditional approach, rooted in the false notion that organizations can be managed as mere mechanical systems operating in a predictable environment, is inadequate. Moreover, the methods associated with it, such as variance analyses and data tables, which are employed to measure and communicate performance, are wholly insufficient.

Morlidge proposes a reconception of performance reporting as an act of perception conducted on behalf of the organization. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging the strengths of our own brains, compensating for their weaknesses, and communicating in a manner that facilitates the assimilation of information by our audiences. Drawing upon the latest insights from cognitive science, this book offers valuable insights on how to:

• Integrate a dynamic perspective into performance reporting.
• Employ a set of simple tools to extract meaningful insights from large data sets.
• Make informed inferences based on the analyzed data.
• Set goals intelligently, considering the complexities of the organizational context.
• Understand the grammar of data visualization and utilize it to design powerful and concise reports.

By adopting these approaches, information professionals can play a pivotal role in shaping the shared consciousness that is essential for organizations to thrive in the dynamic, complex, and data-rich world we currently inhabit. This book provides a valuable roadmap for professionals seeking to enhance their performance reporting skills and contribute to the success of their organizations.

Weight: 1288g
Dimension: 221 x 282 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838591090