The Hierarchy of Insight
Long-time readers will know I’m a fan of the author Seth Godin. On his blog, Seth recently wrote an article with the same title as this one. It got me thinking about volunteer engagement, measuring and valuing volunteering, and influencing others.
Here is what Seth wrote about the hierarchy of insight:
It looks like this:
Which do we measure the most, spend the most obtaining and argue about most often?
My immediate reflection was on how much of the debate about measuring and valuing volunteering is focused almost entirely on data and information — how do we collect this, and how do we report it to others?
Seth’s hierarchy suggests that if we want insights into volunteer engagement we need to go further. We need to use the data and information to generate knowledge, understanding and wisdom, insights that can effect change.
These come through the data and information being filtered through an experienced and knowledgeable VEP.
How then are Volunteer-Involving Organisations going to gain true insight into volunteer engagement when so many are busy laying off their Volunteer Engagement Professionals?
A lack of foresight means true insight into volunteering risks becoming short-sighted.
A useful reminder that volunteering isn't a free resource and needs proper investment. Both at a staffing and strategic level. Thanks for sharing Rob.
Working with staff and volunteers to improve their experiences in the National Trust.
4 个月I agree that we absolutely need to go beyond gathering data and info to then make meaning from it and that requires time and effort and people to do it. When you take a Design Thinking approach to this you'd be relying on more than a VEP to do that sense making though. We all carry so much bias around with us that can make it hard(er) to not just find the insight we think is there and spot the unexpected insight that when acted on will make the biggest difference. Working alongside people who know little about the specific topic you're exploring can help with this as can being really robust in how you understand the data/info. The way of working would also encourage you to check back in with the people who've provided you with your data/ info to see if the insight makes sense to them. Does it match up to their experience or were they trying to tell us something that we've not fully understood.
Connector and facilitator | Fostering community connections, organizational health and personal growth
4 个月Thanks for making this connection, Rob. Data is so important, but the framing of it in the questions asked or information gathered is so important. And then, yes, how it is interpreted and understand is also so essential. Also, we need both quantitative and qualittive data to truly understand and value the impact of volunteering.
Creator of the Volunteer Experience Framework | Empowering Volunteer Engagement Leaders to inspire civic participation
4 个月Great prompt Rob. So many times I hear, “we need more data!” and often I observe that it is from the perspective of “get us more data that feeds the volunteering crisis narrative”. The data is there. Volunteer Canada recently delivered a webinar addressing this from a Strategic Foresight approach: https://youtu.be/PPf5hFgI4vI?feature=shared
Accelerating effective and efficient Volunteer Engagement in non-profits. Award-winning leader, consultant, and speaker building relationships and innovative solutions. Creative and people-oriented. DM me!
4 个月I have enjoyed books written by Seth!!!