6 minutes

What you write vs. what you measure

Values sentences are allowed. They are not the outcome.

What you’ll be able to do

Identify the practical implication of “What you write vs. what you measure” and apply it to one live DHS decision connected to Outcomes, Not Intentions.
Compare the responses to this question and explain your choice: When should the method be used?
Document a next step for What you write vs. what you measure: Choose one live work object, name a change or formal escalation, assign an owner, and set the date the result will be reviewed.

Sentence vs. evidence

Values sentence

“We are committed to equity.” Allowed. Not a finding.

Observation

“Wait is 21 days on average; we do not have a racial breakout.” A finding.

Design change

“Paper channel added; review in 60 days; owner named.” Adaptation.

Legal claim

“This is discrimination.” Wrong door unless EOAD / a court is in it.

Your turn

Open last week’s packet language.
Mark each sentence: values, observation, design, or claim.

Put this lesson to work

What you can change

You control whether what you write vs. what you measure changes a live DHS process connected to Outcomes, Not Intentions or remains information on a page.

What to watch for

The team completes the learning, keeps the same default, assigns no owner, and never checks who carries the burden.

Your next step

Choose one live work object, name a change or formal escalation, assign an owner, and set the date the result will be reviewed.

Try a situation

A DHS decision related to what you write vs. what you measure is nearly final. The team plans to document equity considerations after approval because the deadline is close.

When should the method be used?

After approval, so the final rationale can be summarized accurately.

Only if a disparity or complaint has already been proved.

Before the lock, while affected people, requirements, evidence, burden, and alternatives can still change the decision.

Carry this forward

Values sentences are allowed. They are not the outcome.
You control whether what you write vs. what you measure changes a live DHS process connected to Outcomes, Not Intentions or remains information on a page.
Choose one live work object, name a change or formal escalation, assign an owner, and set the date the result will be reviewed.

Completion is shown by a scenario decision and a saved one-minute commitment.

Choose one live work object, name a change or formal escalation, assign an owner, and set the date the result will be reviewed.

Your next step

What will you do differently this week after What you write vs. what you measure?

Apply this lesson to one live work object connected to Outcomes, Not Intentions.

Name the affected people, one process change, the owner, and a review date.

Use the right-door guide if a formal duty or accountable office may be involved.

Browse and download only. Course notes are not typed or saved on this page.

Mark this lesson complete

Participation and course completion in this program do not count toward DHS-required training credits unless management, a director, or DHS leadership expressly approves an exception.