Measuring Stick

Now I New I Next - Measuring Stick

(5 minute read)

As I continue to map out the strategic value for the concept of building Narrative Worth, I was taken by this recent Visual Capitalist creation on the Top 100 Most Valuable Brands for 2024.  

This data visualization from Brand Finance’s Global 500 Ranking in 2024 brought home the significant changes that have occurred over my lifetime.  The once dominant brands of my upbringing and formative years have all given way to the tech giants that now gatekeep our lives.

All of which brings me to the concept of a “measuring stick”.  That term immediately conjures up the visual of a ruler or a yardstick (for those of us in the US).  A tool that is used for measuring length or distance.

When we widen the concept of a “measuring stick” to a metaphorical perspective, our context stretches to benchmarks of value or worth in society.  We can think about standards, norms, and values.  It sets us up for comparisons, bell curves, and ratings.

All of which are conventions constructed by humans to attempt to make sense of things. It is a commonplace for all ideologies and “isms” (Communism, socialism, capitalism).  A way to position ourselves as relevant to others - be it an individual, a brand, or a city-state.

Being of curious mind, I dug deeper into the origins of “measuring stick” and discovered there are ancient African symbols (known as Adinkra) and one of them speaks specifically to the idea of a measuring stick.  It is called HWE MU DUA.  It is the symbol of examination and quality control. 

This symbol stresses the need to strive for the best quality, whether in the production of goods or human endeavors.  The Ghana Standards Board, responsible for quality incorporated this symbol in its logo.

The Adinkra symbols express various themes that relate to the history, beliefs, and philosophy of the Asantes. They mostly have rich proverbial meanings since proverbs play an important role in the Asanta culture. The use of proverbs is considered as a mark of wisdom.¹ 

If the ancients were to look at our culture today, what would they think of our measuring sticks?  How would they view our quest for followers, likes, and shares?  Would they know who I am based on my profile across Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and Google Search?

I would submit, that we would appear as five different people from our profiles.  Even more when you add a spouse (or significant other), family, and friend chats to the equation.

All of which is to say, what is your measuring stick?  Is it your Net Worth?  Your Self Worth?  Or a different kind of worth that is driven by your values, benchmarks and self-expression?   

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NOW (How you are realizing this today)

1. What worth are you measuring today? 

NEW (How you will realize this tomorrow)

1. Can you create a User Guide that tells others how to optimize working with you? A better way to share your working narrative.

2. Do you have a manifesto or credo or some personal value statement beyond your resume, CV or bio?

3. What will you do in the next six months to establish your measuring stick? 

NEXT (I see a world in which) 

I see a world in which knowing your Narrative Worth will become a new measuring stick for who you are in our quickly evolving AI-infused society.  

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The Payoff 

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose”.  The Dolly Principle, in honor of Dolly Parton, from No Bullsh*t Strategy, Alex M H Smith

Follow me on LinkedIn. Or DM at tobin@spatialshift.com for more information on how to design your Narrative Worth

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1. https://www.africanbeadsandfabrics.com/knowledge/adinkra-symbols/