Pragmatic Practices (8): The Dao of the Strategists

New England Patriots is one of the most successful professional football teams in the NFL.  For the last five seasons (2007), they have  won 64 regular games out of 78 games. Since 2000, the Patriots have won 139 games out of 192 games.

Some parts of the Pats success can be contributed to their scouting activities.  No one outside of the Patriots organization, knows the true size of their intelligence collection team. 

In summary,  their success was due to their drafts and a few good free agent signings.

The Dao of Strategy: Collecting Data

Fwiw, true blue strategists do not always use search engines to collect data. They understand that the truth is usually not displayed for public viewing.  Their operations team is always on the field, collecting relevant intelligence and probing for the next gold mine.

Questions

• So what is your process for collecting data?  
• Do you ask your inner circle or your favorite social networks for their opinions? 
• Do you prefer to go to your favorite search engine for their  "fixed" viewpoint?
• What is the side effect of each approach?

In summary, it is prevalent to get the best quality intelligence before assessing.

Assessing Before Planning

• Do you ever plan without assessing the situation?   
• Do you ever assess your data without verifying the quality of the information? 
• Do you ever assess the criterion of your information collection process?

The Compass View
Regardless of your answers, many people preferred to operate from the seat of their pants.  Due to their love to improvise and invent, they usually go with their gut instinct.  This specific feeling enthralls them.    

Exception
Depending on the situation, the side effect of this marginally-efficient practice is a prolonged time line and a protracted budget.   

In an extreme uncertain situation,  the amateurs regularly lose their motivation and quit.  We have seen it repeatedly. Those who persist and persevere, usually have the experience and the resources to continue.

Summary
In complex times, one cannot properly assess and plan without collecting the right amount of tangible data.

Those who constantly prevail in many of their endeavors, usually have the superior skills  in the areas of strategic assessment, operational planning and tactical adaptation.  Sometimes, they just succeed because of the predictability of their situation.  Occasionally, chance plays a  role.

If one wants to succeed in their endeavor, it helps to know how to collect information.