Author Archive

Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgement by Daniel Kahneman, Oliver Sibony, & Cass Sunstein

Sunday, September 5th, 2021

Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgement by Daniel Kahneman, Oliver Sibony, and Cass Sunstein details how noise and bias result in errors in judgment. From our courts to fields as diverse as medicine and insurance they show how noise leads to unfair and harmful results. They also provide ways to identify noise and techniques that any organization can use to reduce it. This book is a must for any professional development library. (10-15 minute read)

Introducion: Two Kinds of Error

Whenever you look at human judgments, you are likely to find noise. From the courtroom to medicine to forecasts to forensics and personal decisions our lives are full of noise. This book will help you recognize it and give some tips for getting rid of at least some of it. Start with an analogy that features targets and groups of shooters to see the difference between noise and bias If shots are scattered all over the target, that’s noise. It the shot are all in the lower right, that’s bias.

Part I: Finding Noise

1. Crime and Noisy Punishment

We start with the noise associated with crime and the sentencing of the guilty parties. In 1973, Marvin Frankel, a famous judge, realized that people committing the same crime were getting vastly different sentences depending on who the judge was. Judges gave harsher sentences when they were hungry and the day after their team lost. Blacks got harsher sentences and people are less likely to be granted asylum when it’s hot. The sentencing reform act of 1984 helped narrow the differences, but the Supreme Court struck it down in 2005 and discrepancies increased again. Female and Democrat judges are more lenient.

2. A Noisy System

Here we encounter he basic tool called the noise audit that all organizations need to consider. Its essence is to have many people look at the same information and make independent judgments. The variance in these judgments will give you a sense of the magnitude of the noise in the system. The authors use the median difference from the mean in the audit as a measure of noise. Keep in mind that errors do not cancel out, they add up. In many cases, the person making a judgment might as well be chosen by lottery. It’s important not to confuse judgment with taste or opinion. It’s important to have people with different perspectives when you are trying to solve a problem.

3. Singular Decisions

Singular decisions are those that don’t recur with any great frequency. Getting married or buying a house are examples. While they are not free from the factors that produce noise, the definition of noise does not apply and you can’t do a noise audit. Practices that reduce error for recurrent decisions should be just as effective when it comes to singular decisions.

Share this:

Posted in What can Dr. Doug do for you? | Comments Off on Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgement by Daniel Kahneman, Oliver Sibony, & Cass Sunstein

Three Key Indicators That You May Want to Choose a STEM Major by Craig Middleton

Saturday, August 28th, 2021

STEM
Three Key Indicators That You May Want to Choose a STEM Major by Craig Middleton explains why all students should at least consider a career in one of the STEM fields. If you know anyone currently in high school be sure to share this with them. Thanks, Craig.

Introduction

One of the most overwhelming and intimidating decisions of our lives can come as early as high school when individuals are encouraged to choose a career path for their lives. At such a young age, many people are unsure of all of the amazing careers out there and can be indecisive on choosing a path they may follow for the rest of their lives. Some choose to mimic adult role models in their lives. Some students research jobs based on their strengths, interests and guidance. Some may have worked for years in a job they are unhappy with and begin the search all over again mid-life to pursue a career they enjoy.
STEM careers are growing, stable and reliable. If you are unfamiliar with STEM, it is a core focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Many schools are emphasizing STEM learning disciplines beginning as early as preschool. These jobs can be very hands-on and there is a ton of variety depending on what you are looking for. How do you know if a STEM major is right for you? Spend some time evaluating your interests, strengths, goals and other relevant topics, as these will all impact your decision. With a STEM degree, you will have many possibilities for future careers. Here are some other key ways to determine if you might enjoy a STEM job.

1. Benefits

The capability to support yourself and your family will play a large role in determining your career path. Benefits such as income, health insurance, paid time off, sick leave and retirement contributions should be considered heavily, especially when choosing between multiple job offers. STEM jobs often have good benefits packages.
You can use a paystub generator to help see what your take-home pay will be. You can change state, marital status, pay rate, hours and pay frequency. The generator will then do all of the math to show you gross earnings, deductions and net pay. This will allow you to see exactly how much you will net each paycheck from any given salary. This knowledge allows you to know how much money you will have to pay your bills, which is important for choosing a career path.

2. Stability

The stability associated with STEM majors is often noted. The field is expanding rapidly, meaning there are plenty of jobs in many locations. A quick job search for STEM careers can show you locations all over the United States and even globally. If you are looking to settle into a precise location, it is a good idea to search for jobs that interest you. The demand and growth lead to stability many people desire.

3. Flexibility

Another strong draw to STEM majors is the ability to pursue many different career paths with a single degree. This flexibility can allow for future career switches without additional education. This can be reassuring for those nervous about working one job for the rest of their lives. It also means that you are very marketable for job openings because you have an education covering these popular topics. A STEM major is a great base for career flexibility. You can have more options with additional training and some employers may even pay for you to continue your education.

Conclusion

College is a great experience in which the choices you make can impact the rest of your life. There are hundreds of possible majors, all of which have their own pros and cons. Spend time exploring majors, looking up the ones you have not heard of and reading into what types of jobs you can obtain with these various degrees. Lean on your strengths and interests for a strong indicator of a field you will enjoy. The STEM majors are a great fit for many individuals. You can choose from many jobs with a STEM degree, most of which are growing in demand and have solid salaries and benefits. This growing field is not one you want to leave unexplored!

Craig Middleton

Craig is a New York City-based retired business consultant, who is an expert in education and cultural trends. He has a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters in Education from St. Johns and loves sharing his knowledge on the side through his writing. If you have any questions or comments you can direct them to Craig at craigmiddleton18@gmail.com.

Share this:

Posted in Guest Posts | Comments Off on Three Key Indicators That You May Want to Choose a STEM Major by Craig Middleton

How to Get Treatment at One of The U.S. Top 10 High-Tech Cancer Hospitals by Julianna Mitchell

Thursday, August 26th, 2021

How to Get Treatment at One of The U.S. Top 10 High-Tech Cancer Hospitals by Julianna Mitchell is an amazing resource that you must store somewhere and share with ANYONE you know. If you have cancer, you really want to get into one of these places and the links in this post can help you do so. I just set a record for links in one post, but they can help you get top-notch treatment. Good luck and thanks, Julianna.

Advancements in the medical field are information to all of us: from your standard cold to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the medical field is making strides to treat patients and save lives.

This couldn’t be more true when it comes to cancer. Cancer is something millions of families and loved ones deal with worldwide, and it doesn’t get easier. However, one of the best things you can do post-diagnosis is to research treatment avenues from a reputable cancer hospital.

In this article, we’re giving you information on the top ten cancer hospitals in the United States, along with how you can seek treatment today.

1. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Located in Houston, Texas, the MD Anderson Cancer Center is known for improving cancer therapies and prevention methods quickly with the help of scientific research. The cancer center has over 19,00 employees in cancer care. If you want to get treated at MD Anderson, you can fill out a form online or call 1-866-587-0557.

2. Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is located in Rochester, Minnesota and it treats over 100,000 cancer patients each year. This world-famous hospital spearheaded the use of electronic health records to improve patient care and research and discovered the critical research behind proton beam therapy: which allows radiation oncologists to target and destroy cancer cells while keeping healthy tissue intact. To be treated at Mayo Clinic, request a visit online or call 507-284-2511.

3. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was established in 1947 by the father of modern chemotherapy, Dr. Sidney Farber, and is based in Boston, Massachusetts as part of a collaboration with the Harvard Medical Center. The Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center was also named the No. 2 pediatric cancer program in the country by the U.S. News & World Report, as it is skilled in treating various different types of cancer. For more information, you can find contact links on their homepage.

4.Johns Hopkins

Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Johns Hopkins has been researching, treating, and making technological advances in the cancer field for over 50 years. To receive treatment at Johns Hopkins, you can sign up online or call their toll-free number, 1-855-695-4872.

5. Cleveland Clinic

In Cleveland, Ohio, the Cleveland Clinic combines technological advancements like AI, cloud, and quantum computing capabilities with research methods to create innovative and effective treatments for cancer. If you’d like to be treated at the Cleveland Clinic, you can find their contact information on this page.

6. Massachusetts General Hospital

Founded in 1811, The Massachusetts General Hospital is one of the oldest and best cancer facilities in the nation. As a teaching hospital for the Harvard Medical School, this is one of the largest hospital-based research programs to date. Additional information for receiving treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital can be found on their contact page.

7. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

The experts at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California currently treat over 60 different types of cancer. With that being said, it’s no wonder that it is the largest single cancer-care center in California, and the best cancer-care center in California in multiple specialties. To be treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, you can explore options online or call 1-800-223-2771.

8. Northwestern Memorial Hospital

The Northwestern Memorial Hospital is one of the best and most high-tech cancer-care centers in the nation. A teaching hospital for Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, this hospital uses some of the newest, cutting-edge, and advanced technology (like Ai) to treat their patients. For more information on being treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, you can make an appointment online or call 312-926-2000.

9. Seattle Cancer Care Alliance/University of Washington Medical Center

Based in Seattle, Washington, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (or the University of Washington Medical Center) is one of the best in the nation. Here, oncologists combine new technology with modern medicine to find groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research. If you’re interested in being treated at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, you can find information on making your first appointment online or call 206-606-7222.

10. UCSF Medical Center

Finally, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center is a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in San Francisco, California. Here, the hospital explores the possibilities of artificial intelligence in the realm of cancer research. For more information on the UCSF Medical Center, you can request an appointment online or call 888-689-8273.

Cancer is a tough pill to swallow. Lucky, there are so many amazing places in the United States to seek the treatment you or your loved ones deserve. For more information on cancer treatment–including technologies and a map of the best cancer centers–pore over this infographic from Asbestos.com.

Julianna Mitchell is a writer and content creator based in Los Angeles, California. She has experience writing in the tech, entertainment, and healthcare industries, and is a Content Writing Intern at Siege Media.

Share this:

Posted in Guest Posts | Comments Off on How to Get Treatment at One of The U.S. Top 10 High-Tech Cancer Hospitals by Julianna Mitchell

Should We Be Teaching Workplace Etiquette in Schools? by Amanda Winstead

Sunday, August 22nd, 2021

Workplace Etiquette
Image Source: Pixabay

Should We Be Teaching Workplace Etiquette in Schools? by Amanda Winstead – This post explains why your school should look for a place to add workplace etiquette to the curriculum. It certainly is time to help teens get their first jobs and to help them understand how to behave once they hit the real world of work.

Introduction

Young people often start working part-time jobs in high school, and it’s surprising how few of them understand basic workplace etiquette. Everything from dressing appropriately to having a sarcastic attitude can be a problem for young workers. We can’t blame teens — many times they simply aren’t taught the basics of how to communicate or behave at work. Getting a new job can be overwhelming and confusing, and it’s hard to know who to talk to and how to ask questions.
We can give teenagers a leg up by teaching workplace etiquette in school. It can be a unit in a life skills class or part of a homeroom curriculum. There are significant advantages to making sure every teen understands how the world of work operates.

Here are just a few reasons to teach these essential skills at school.

Teens Gain Better Access to Opportunities: Not every young person has skilled working parents at home to use as role models. Also, because teens work in a variety of jobs, the coaching and mentoring they receive are uneven. When we provide workplace etiquette as part of the school curriculum for every young person, we help level the playing field and give equal access to opportunities.
Some young people have parents with the time, money, and skills to give them a great foundation in what constitutes good work. However, for the rest of the teens, it’s only fair that they are given a chance to do well in the working world by learning the basics in school.

Young People Will Have Better Work Experiences

There’s no drag like someone who hates their job and complains about it constantly. One thing that can help our young people avoid becoming that way is to help them learn the ropes about how workplaces operate at an early age.
It starts with knowing how to get a job. A surprising number of students have no idea what a resume is or what to include in one. Having a strong resume and excellent interview skills will help them get a great job right away and give them the confidence to go for bigger opportunities in the future.
When they know what to expect once they get the job, they won’t feel frustrated by the requests from the boss. They will be less likely to slack off or absorb bad habits from coworkers. Most importantly, they’ll have a foundation in how to communicate with their bosses about concerns. This will give them the confidence to ask for direction, offer additional help, and resolve issues.
When young people have good work experiences upfront, it helps them be more willing to work hard and do well in their jobs throughout their lives.

Understanding Workplace Etiquette Can Prevent Abuse

Young people are at a significant disadvantage at work, especially if it’s one of their first jobs. If they haven’t been taught anything about workplace etiquette, they might assume that everything that happens to them is normal and okay, even if it’s hurtful.
Discrimination, hostility, and bullying happen in workplaces all over the nation. Fortunately, harassment is illegal and a young person has rights. When they’re educated about the workplace, they know those rights and can properly report what’s going on.
At the same time, young people are less likely to engage in these behaviors at work if they’re aware of workplace etiquette. They are less likely to become bullies or join a crowd that picks on someone if they realize it’s inappropriate and may lead to legal action.
Teens who know their rights are also less likely to be taken advantage of by managers who demand unsafe work, pay lower-than-promised wages, or underpay tips.

Learning the Basics Early Helps in Every Job Throughout Life

If young people learn at school how to behave well at work, the little bad habits that become ingrained in their adult lives can be prevented. Adults complain about a variety of obnoxious behaviors from coworkers, from body odor to swearing to bragging.
A student who knows how to clean up for work, speak professionally, and mind the unspoken rules of the workplace (like not eating smelly food) is set up for success well beyond the teen years. They will have a better chance to impress bosses, win promotions, and build strong relationships with coworkers.
Today’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders, and they need the skills to face the challenges of an ever-changing workplace and world market. When they have a solid foundation as a youth, they’re positioned for success.

We All Had to Learn Somewhere

Today’s young people are largely preparing for jobs that don’t even exist yet. That’s why they need to know the basics today. In our first few jobs, many of us learned how to respect a schedule, call in advance if we were ill, and more. But, unfortunately, not everyone learns these lessons, as complaints in adult workplaces reveal.
People of any age who don’t know workplace etiquette will have hard times building relationships, impressing the boss to win promotions, and often even holding a job at all. It’s not fair to young people that, through no fault of their own, they don’t have the examples they need to be successful.
When we teach workplace etiquette in schools, everyone gets an equal chance no matter what their life outside of class is like. We all have to learn the basics somewhere. Why not in school, where everyone has an equal shot?

Amanda Winstead

Amanda is a freelance writer out of Portland focusing on many topics including educational technology. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

Share this:

Posted in What can Dr. Doug do for you? | Comments Off on Should We Be Teaching Workplace Etiquette in Schools? by Amanda Winstead

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink – Updated Summary

Wednesday, August 18th, 2021

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink is a must-read for educators and parents alike. Dan summarizes current research and does a great job turning it into interesting and understandable prose that educators can apply to their practice. Every school should have this on the shelf.

Three Types of Motivation

1.0 – The basic motivations we need for survival

2.0 – Motivations based on direct rewards and punishments. Such carrots and sticks are typically financial in this context. They work for jobs that are routine, which are often the jobs that can be sent offshore or done by a computer.

3.0 – Intrinsic motivation, which is conducive to creativity. This allows you to do things for the satisfaction of doing them rather than any monetary reward. Examples include open source software, Wikipedia, learning to play a musical instrument, or doing a puzzle. It is important for nonroutine (heuristic) jobs. In these jobs rules are loosely defined, which requires creativity.

Carrots and Sticks Don’t Always Work

Pink sites 128 studies that lead to the conclusion that tangible rewards tend to have a substantially negative effect on intrinsic motivation. This is one of the most robust findings in social science and one of the most ignored. (Doug: Educators should check out Alfie Khon’s 1993 book, Punished by Rewards.)

Studies show that rewards and punishments can extinguish motivation and diminish performance. They focus behavior, which can crush creativity and they can crowd out good behavior. In some cases, they can lead to cheating, shortcuts, unethical behavior and lead to addiction. They can foster short-term thinking at the cost of long-term results.

Carrots and Sticks Aren’t All Bad

Rewards do not undermine people’s intrinsic motivation for dull tasks where there isn’t any motivation to be undermined. To increase chances for success you need to: 1) Offer a rationale for why the task is important 2) Acknowledge that the task is boring 3) Allow people to complete the task their own way. Another way to offer extrinsic rewards for creative work is to give the reward after the job is finished. Care must be taken so that such rewards don’t become expected. In general, praise and specific positive feedback are less corrosive than cash and trophies (Doug: That means stickers for you elementary teachers)

Share this:

Tags: Daniel Pink, Drive, Motivation
Posted in Book Summaries, Business Books, Education Books, Leadership Books | Comments Off on Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink – Updated Summary

« Older Entries

Newer Entries »