None of the numbers mean anything unless they are put into context by contrasting them with something else. Knowing that headcount is X means little unless you understand how that compares to budget projections and how that number contrasts with last year. Having the enrollment-by-major is just data; it doesn't become information until there is something to put it into context with another comparable statistic. Too many times reports are presented that only have one number without a reference point, and it does little to advance understanding.
The same concept is true with qualitative concepts. One of the most profound questions I was ever asked was "How do you do your job differently than others with your job?" This led to a robust discussion about how my student life background influenced my enrollment work, which led to a reorganization on campus and infusion of new objectives. Travel also serves as a contrasting data point of how life is "different" in Place X vs. the things we take for granted in our hometown. People record steps toward goal achievement for the same reason: Did I gain or lose since last time I stepped on the scale? Did I run more or less (or faster or slower) than in the last outing?
Try to cultivate the habit of asking questions or presenting information in a context vs. in isolation. I'll bet that your understanding will be much more robust.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
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