In the previous episode, “Managers Can Count Better Than They Can Think,” that premise was presented. This episode adds some examples to develop that idea.

In a world where too many problems are described and explained more by opinion and emotion rather than by meaningful data and information, this episode provides a couple of examples of how to leverage managers need for numbers. Also, there are a couple of examples where using the wrong numbers or using numbers wrong is self-defeating.

There is a reference to Paul O’Neill, CEO of Alcoa from 1987 to 1999. The YouTube video where he talks about improving the financial book closing process in 1991 is . The comments specific to the financial book closing happen at 27:38 in the video. I highly recommend watching the entire video. O’Neill is one of the greatest corporate leaders ever.

All episodes are at Way of the Quality Warrior website . There are also downloadable copies of the annotated slide decks of presentations made by Keith Fong in the last couple of years. There is also a contact form if you’d like to get in touch.