This past week marked the 26th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice” when the US Men’s Hockey team upset the Soviet Union.  Absolutely no pre-game data analysis would have predicted this outcome.  The Soviets were the top team in the world, while the Americans were made up of college guys.  Anyone making a data-driven wager on the game would have lost their shirt.  As good as data analysis is, it can never  – and will never – tell the whole story.  People who use data need to understand that it’s a great tool, but it’s incumbent on users to put it into proper context.  Data, viewed alone, can direct us toward outcomes that look great on paper but fail in real life.  This is not merely a government issue, though OMB and GSA seem destined to implement data-driven solutions that history shows have little chance of success.  Private sector companies are obsessed with data as well and forget that both their customers and employees are people.  Let’s remember that data is best used when accompanied by reasoned, rational thought.  Few decisions should be made on data alone, especially when you’re going for the gold medal.