- what you thought I was going to
do.
Evaluate the Significance of the Interpretation
This raises the significance question. How do I feel about the interpretation I select? Even though the interaction I'm working on is external, how I approach the matter is influenced by my feelings and world model. Additionally, the significance I associate with the selected interpretation may not have any relationship to the significance assigned by others.
When determining the significance of my interpretation, a wonderful check is "What have I seen or heard that makes me feel this is the best interpretation?" This data question serves as a check on my processing, and allows another view of what I feel is happening.
Now Do Something
After getting information, selecting a meaning for it, and determining its significance, I'm ready to make a response. I've found that following these steps keeps me from jumping the gun and doing things before I've fully processed the situation.
How long should this "standing there" take? The quick answer is "It all depends." In actual practice, it doesn't take long. And the time spent is redeemed by the increased effectiveness of my work. My mother was right. She always told me, "Before you do something in haste, you should count to ten." Now you know what I do while I'm counting!
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About the author
Don Gray’s goal to answer “What is the earliest indicator for a project’s status?” has led him to focus on such diverse topics as communication, personality types, team styles, systems thinking and human systems dynamics. Don’s varied interests and client experience provides a platform for helping clients introduce and work through change as they transition to agile development practices. His blog can be found at www.donaldegray.com. Don helped create and co-Hosts the AYE Conference.
