This discussion dives into the clash between belief systems and scientific reasoning, urging teams to embrace data over dogma. It examines how subjective perceptions can skew decision-making, particularly in e-commerce. The hosts propose shifting from endless debates to actionable experiments, emphasizing clear roles in technical teams. Engaging dialogues at recent conferences uncover fascinating intersections of religion and science, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences in navigating these complex truths.
18:32
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Religion vs. Science in Business
Religion here means beliefs about the world that are hard or impossible to test.
Business thrives on testable hypotheses and scientific approaches, not untestable beliefs.
insights INSIGHT
Reality Is Perceived Model
We don't have direct access to reality; our brains construct models from sensory input.
Embracing model-based thinking encourages openness and collaboration over right vs. wrong disputes.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Email Subject Line Test Settled Debate
E-commerce email subject line debates became unresolvable until A/B testing was introduced.
Data showed brand name didn't drive opens, but featuring popular brands did, settling the debate.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The search for ultimate truth has no place in an effective business! In this episode, Jeffrey and Squirrel explain how to detect when your team are stuck in the “rightness” trap and how to move from abstract debate to scientific experiments that help you discover what actually works.
SHOW LINKS:
Links:
- Less Wrong: https://www.lesswrong.com/
- Less Online: https://less.online/
- Abor Summer Camp: https://www.arborsummer.camp/
- Manifest: https://manifest.is/
- Driftwood hiring episode: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/driftwood-vs-planks-agile-team-roles-and-skills
- Socratic Dialogues: https://dn790004.ca.archive.org/0/items/PlatoDialogues/Plato_dialogues.pdf
--------------------------------------------------
You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
--------------------------------------------------
About Your Hosts
Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick joined forces at TIM Group in 2013, where they studied and practised the art of management through difficult conversations. Over a decade later, they remain united in their passion for growing profitable organisations through better communication.
Squirrel is an advisor, author, keynote speaker, coach, and consultant, and he's helped over 300 companies of all sizes make huge, profitable improvements in their culture, skills, and processes. You can find out more about his work here: douglassquirrel.com/index.html
Jeffrey is Vice President of Engineering at ION Analytics, Organiser at CITCON, the Continuous Integration and Testing Conference, and is an accomplished author and speaker. You can connect with him here: www.linkedin.com/in/jfredrick/
Troubleshooting Agile