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Antipattern #33 · curiosity · p. 269
Deferring to Data
Data-informed decisions that honor human experience improve quality of outcomes.
The Tin Man Behavior
Using data, especially easily quantifiable metrics, as a crutch in complex decision-making and devaluing human experience for data's supposed "objectivity" in the process.
The Results
- ·False certainty that leads to bad decisions
- ·Overreliance on simple metrics that miss context and lead to poor decisions
- ·Ignoring valuable human experience and judgment
How Octopus Organizations Behave Instead
- ↳They invest in data literacy that emphasizes critical thinking about data.
- ↳They balance quantitative and qualitative insights and treat data as a tool, not a replacement for judgment.
- ↳They foster collaboration between data scientists and business leaders.