Until about 15 years ago, knowledge was power. Information was imparted in limited channels – classrooms, word of mouth, newspapers, radio and television. Those who had knowledge held an advantage over those who did not, so information was precious.
Today we suffer from an over-abundance of information. The challenge isn’t to gain information, but to understand what it means.
Information overload affects the workplace. Good managers must distill complex business plans into quantifiable measures, the “metrics” for evaluating progress, because everyone wants to know whether their efforts result in progress.
Developing a “metric system” synthesizes information and allows clear, concise communication.
– Kip Caffey, Cary Street Partners