Lies and Statistics

Lies, Damned Lies and Presenting Data

We all know the cliché: ‘there are lies, damned lies and statistics’. This is certainly true but there is another, far more common, way that we are misled – how data is presented. This short post dives into how data can be presented to draw various differing conclusions, so you’re aware and in the best place to make decisions.

Consider the following: ‘Our production capacity has doubled in 5 years’. Imagine how most busy people would have read the same information if more emphasis was placed on the time and less on the total capacity. Consider further the accompanying information: how have sales, productivity and market share varied during this time? The frame that data is presented in is critical to understanding the message that is conveyed.

Numbers, percentages and utility

We are often bombarded with facts, figures and data. All too often it does not actually mean very much. For example, instead of saying ‘approximately 400 children’ the size of the average primary school allows much faster visualizations. A ‘100 truck convoy’, for example, does not sound like a huge number but, if they are spaced at typical distances, ‘a 10km convoy’ may be more useful. The key of context should be clear but also trying to think what is it that I need to use this information for, can provide an insight into how exactly it should be presented.

Percentages can be similarly presented in all manner of ways. Pie charts are normally neutral but if bold colors are used then overall the focus can be easily, maybe intentionally, misrepresented. Sometimes small increases, expressed as a percentage, can sound more impressive than is actually the case. Similarly, a percentage must be related to some time period. If this time period is missing then you should automatically be skeptical.

We hope that these ideas, at the very least, arm you with the knowledge necessary to see the basic ideas behind the data. 

If you need ground transportation we can be of further assistance – Philadelphia Limousine operates in Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey and area and can transport you to your next meeting in a style that allows you to remain productive and focus 100 percent on whatever it is you need to achieve. When your business or pleasure travels bring you to Greater Philadelphia Area, you can be sure that Philadelphia Limo will assist you in any requirements or special needs that you may have. Our corporate services are second to no one and reflect the skills and expertise expected and demanded by the discriminating travelers.

4 Leadership Exercises to Make You A Better Leader

The skills that a manager needs are both numerous and demanding – you must be able to communicate, delegate, inspire and get the best from a team. Most individuals have a certain style, that may suit and cater for some, or for the luck few a majority, of the required skills but most of us have to work at our leadership skills. Today’s post brings you a short list of easy exercises aimed at improving your leadership skills.

Collaborate

A really effective leader values others’ opinions and can then take a group and make it perform much more effectively as a team, as opposed to the sum of its individual parts. To learn to be a better collaborative leader, take a small portion of your day to garner opinions from employees, list the best and most thoughtful observations and respond to them directly in a non-critical manner. This will definitely have the effect that all team members will feel that their opinions are valued and, hopefully, you may get some great suggestions.

Role Models

One of the best ways of improving your own leadership skill is simply by speaking to other great leaders. These could be fellow managers, friends or part of your wider business network. The key activity is to simply speak to them about leadership related issues and their views. You could ask them how they’d respond to a hypothetical situation. You’ll most likely find that you all become better leaders due to this discourse.

Team Building

As the above word suggests great teams must be built. This does not always need to be an organized outing, any activity that invests in the cohesion, or effectiveness of a team is, by definition, team building.  Consultation is also important as far a teambuilding is concerned; you need to conduct activities that the group will enjoy. By showing a team that you’re willing to invest in it you’re already demonstrating to your employees leadership.

Never Stop Learning

A really easy daily habit to get into is to spend a few minutes each day researching leadership skills and theories. The type of things you do can be diverse and satisfying, such as: reading an autobiography, leadership journal or just keeping up with relevant blogs. You may find it useful to note down any really helpful bits of information and you should find that you gain something small every day.

We are proud to support our great leaders and their businesses through the provision of outstanding limousine and corporate transportation in the New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia area. Whatever your travel requirements, Philadelphia Limo Service has everything to meet and exceed them. We offer a wide selection of the newest models of luxury sedans, SUVs and mini coach bus rentals, for you to choose from. Philadelphia Limousine can get you to the right place, at the right time and in the right style. We would love to be your transportation partner, call us today to see what we can offer.