How to manage the information overload

Gone are the days of regular rhythms for reviewing performance, plans, and strategies. Now, most leaders receive a constant stream of data about customers, operations, markets, competitors, and more. Here are three ways to handle the information free-for-all:

1. Focus on a few key indicators. Don't try to absorb everything. Pay attention to what matters and enables you to take action.

2. Differentiate opinion from data. Don't take one person's word as truth. People may observe the same event and interpret it differently based on their own biases.

3. Use information as a basis for dialogue. Take advantage of your team to help you sort through and interpret information. Ask for their thoughts on trends they see in the data stream.

This leadership tip by William Montgomery complements similar tips featured in 10 things you didn't know last week, his popular weekly newsletter. For more leadership tips click here.

William Montgomery will be speaking at Stonor School in Wiltshire on Monday, 24 September 2012 in aid of People Against Poverty and you are invited to find out how to cope with the information overload, what to do about it and how to plan for the future.

Book your place here

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