Edward de Bono and HCM measurement

This quote from Edward de Bono pretty much summarises my views on HCM strategy and analytics:

"I was in the desert and our guide was explaining the spikes on the local cacti. 'It's so they don't get eaten,' he said. 'No, it's not,' I said. 'The spikes help keep the air around the plant still, to minimise evaporation.' Everyone thinks it's to stop animals eating them. They looked at the data and came up with the idea. And that became the received wisdom. In fact, it's the wrong idea. Many organizations believe that if they collect enough data in their computers that will set their strategy for them. In fact, unless you see the data in different ways, you will be stuck with the same old notions."

The quote comes from Phil Dourado's Taking the Lead newsletter, reporting on the recent Leaders in London conference.