A Reputation for Research. Everyone Should Embrace It.

Embrace the research. There are good reasons why you should.

After eight months of brainstorming sessions, meetings, assessments, and everyday interactions – I’ve acquired a reputation for research.

I never asked for this “researcher” title; I don’t go around shouting “I love data”. But I am curious. I ask questions. The answers aren’t all I’m looking for. I want to know the “why”, and understand how we arrived at a specific conclusion.

Through past experience I’ve learned that “researcher”, particularly in creative environments, can be an unpopular title. I’ve been told that I stifle creativity and kill (yes, kill) big ideas. Because of this, I have shied away from the researcher title. But not anymore. Now, I embrace it and encourage it.

I encourage everyone to embrace their inner researcher. Why? Because we are human and fallible. We make decisions based on emotion (67% of CEOs claim to “trust their gut” in decision-making!), and we are subjective by nature. Psychological research points out that humans are affected by the False Consensus Effect, where we over-estimate how similar our beliefs are to others. Time and again, I’ve seen people – particularly in agencies – make decisions based on what they ‘think’ is right, but without the data to support it. Absent research, our thinking can be misguided and ineffective.

So embrace your inner “researcher!” You’ll gain knowledge and assurance, and whatever work you’re doing, or decision you’re making, will be marked by clarity and confidence.

Luckily, I’ve found a creative environment here at designRoom that embraces data. Our creative team uses research as fuel, so the work is on target, based on true and solid insights, and built upon a fact-based consensus.

Good research is what good reputations are built on.