Metrics Without Mindset. 5 Signs Your Data Strategy Needs a Mid-Game Adjustment

The Boston Celtics are losing not because they ignored analytics, but because they used them without context. This article explores the danger of blindly following data and the critical difference between being data-driven and truly data-literate.

Kevin Hanegan May 9, 2025

The Thinking Skills That Will Set You Apart in the AI Age

AI is changing how we think—but have our thinking skills kept up? Discover the four mindset shifts that will set modern professionals apart in an AI-powered world.

Kevin Hanegan May 7, 2025

Data-Informed Decision-Making

Neurodiverse Intelligence. The Superpower Hidden in Plain Sight

What if disruption isn’t the problem, it's the early warning? Discover why neurodivergent thinkers often spot critical signals others miss, and why true innovation starts by listening differently.

Kevin Hanegan Apr 30, 2025

Data-Informed Decision-Making Self-Assessment

This self-assessment is designed to help you evaluate your current capabilities in understanding, interpreting, and applying data in everyday decision-making. Through a series of targeted questions, you’ll gain insights into your strengths and identify areas for improvement in data literacy, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced data user, this assessment provides valuable feedback and practical recommendations to enhance your data-informed decision-making abilities.

Rate your typical approach to decision-making on a scale of 1-5 for each dimension:
1 = Rarely/Never, 2 = Sometimes, 3 = Often, 4 = Usually, 5 = Almost Always/Always

Input Management

Question	1	2	3	4	5
I actively seek out diverse data sources	1	2	3	4	5
I look for contradictory evidence	1	2	3	4	5
I identify gaps in my information	1	2	3	4	5
I question the quality of my data sources	1	2	3	4	5
I document where my information comes from	1	2	3	4	5

Perception Awareness

Question	1	2	3	4	5
I recognize my emotional reactions to data	1	2	3	4	5
I take time to examine my initial assumptions	1	2	3	4	5
I consider different ways of looking at the data	1	2	3	4	5
I acknowledge my personal biases	1	2	3	4	5
I separate facts from interpretations	1	2	3	4	5

Interpretation Quality

Question	1	2	3	4	5
I consider multiple possible explanations	1	2	3	4	5
I examine my cultural and professional biases	1	2	3	4	5
I break down complex information systematically	1	2	3	4	5
I seek input from others with different perspectives	1	2	3	4	5
I document my reasoning process	1	2	3	4	5

Experience and Belief Awareness

Question	1	2	3	4	5
I recognize how past experiences influence my decisions	1	2	3	4	5
I challenge my established beliefs	1	2	3	4	5
I remain open to new approaches	1	2	3	4	5
I seek perspectives different from my own	1	2	3	4	5
I acknowledge my professional blind spots	1	2	3	4	5

Evaluation Thoroughness

Question	1	2	3	4	5
I consider both short and long-term implications	1	2	3	4	5
I assess risks systematically	1	2	3	4	5
I think about impacts on various stakeholders	1	2	3	4	5
I examine ethical implications	1	2	3	4	5
I compare multiple options objectively	1	2	3	4	5

Output Quality

Question	1	2	3	4	5
I can clearly explain my decision-making process	1	2	3	4	5
I document key decision points	1	2	3	4	5
I establish clear success metrics	1	2	3	4	5
I plan for review and adjustment	1	2	3	4	5
I remain open to revising decisions based on new information	1	2	3	4	5