Measuring Information Quality and Outcomes
Are you a good communicator? Are you or the people around you measuring information quality, and if so, how?
There is a tendency to measure information quality by its likability factor.
In other words, if you like what you hear or read, it is good information. If you don’t agree or dislike the information it is bad.
Information should not be judged by its likability.
Quality Judgement
In the workplace people tend to lack comfort in the meeting that puts them on the spot. The meeting that makes them more responsible and accountable, or the one that examines performance.
The information exchange in these cases may be considered good or bad, yet it is often judged by the likability factor. If you like it, it was good, otherwise it was bad.
If your doctor suggests losing some weight, or the dentist has to recommend a root canal. Was this bad information?
Quality should not be a measurement of its content.
Measuring Information Quality
Workplace leaders can and should take special care when delivering information. Especially information that may be unpopular or performance improvement oriented.
Telling people what they want to hear may create a happier moment, yet it is not sustainable.
The best communicators are able to deliver all information, good or bad, with professionalism.
They often do this with honesty, integrity, and with high levels of transparency. Trust becomes a long-term factor for information quality.
If you’re judging the quality of information by the likability factor, you’re going to face a lot of disappointment or the consequences of misleading those around you.
What is worse? Trust will diminish or be non-existent.
Measure information quality by its honesty and integrity. Consider the professionalism involved in both the passion and compassion of the message.
Care about the quality.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
