Visualizing the role of data for mission-based organizations – Round II

I am much obliged to all the good folks who have posted suggestions and feedback about my first attempt to create an image that would represent my thinking on the role of data in mission-based organizations.  Likewise, those who emailed me their thoughts deserve thanks!
I’ve created a revised version that incorporates some of the feedback.  Before you take a look at it, please bear in mind that:

1. I am not a graphic designer.
2. I am not attempting to create a graphic that illustrates everyone’s ideas about the role of data in a mission-based organization.  I am merely trying to illustrate my ideas.

Visualizing the role of data for mission-based organizations – Round II

Item #2 on the list notwithstanding, I am enjoying very much the opportunity to learn more about what others in the field think about (and visualize) when they ponder the role of data in our sector.  Once again, I invite you to post your reflections, suggestions, and questions in the comments section here on this blog.

Visualizing the role of data for mission-based organizations

First of all, I want to say that I distrust the term “data-driven organization,” even though some very highly respected colleagues use it in their writings and their conversations.

I firmly believe that if your organization is driven by data, you’re stopping too soon.

It’s important to roll that data (which is raw material) into information (which has been sorted and analyzed), to roll that information into knowledge (which has been enhanced by understanding of context), and to roll that knowledge into wisdom (which been enhanced by experience and intuition). From there you can proceed to good decisions, and ultimately to mission success; moreover, at this point you of course now have more data.  From there, it’s an opportunity for continuous improvement and possibly even further innovation.

My challenge right now is to come up with a clear image to convey this.  The one that springs naturally to my mind is linear, but trusted advisors seem to favor a more cyclical illustration.

Please take a look at these two logos (which were created by yours truly), and tell me which one gets my message across most effectively:

Linear logo

Cyclical logo

And please feel free to post comments here (or send me email) to elaborate on your thoughts about this!