Future@Work

An Employee Survival Guide
for the 21st Century

 

Facts

 

Why aren't people listening to what you have to say?

 

When we reach the year 2999, there may be space colonies on other planets, rocket transportation in every garage and work completed at the speed of thought.

 

 

To be sure, what will be happening in 1000 years is difficult to know -- with one exception. That exception is in regard to unchangeable facts. The children of that day will be taught 1 x 2 = 2 and that the earth is basically round. Facts remain the same, unarguable and predictable, even a thousand years from now.

 

Opinions, on the other hand: A) are often disregarded, or B) may lead to endless debate.

 

Therefore, whether in schools, in research or in business, decisions are routinely made upon as many facts as can be gathered. When it comes to decision making, facts are heavy artillery. Opinions are, well, popguns.

 

To illustrate the importance of using facts in business discussions, let's begin by . . .