Don’t confuse one for the other
For many, these seem to be the same words. However, physics has a clear definition for both.
Precision is the grouping or closeness of your choice.
i.e. A bunch of arrows hitting the same place. Think of a bunch of arrows.
Accuracy is how close your choice is to the value.
i.e. Hitting the target as specified. Think of the bullseye.
They are mutually exclusive.
The trouble comes when we lead; sometimes we confuse one for the other.
If one thing “works” out of five, we were accurate, not precise.
If five things were in the same ballpark but were none of them “worked,” we could have been precise.
It is impossible always to be accurate and precise because we aren’t robots. We also must recognize that because we aren’t robots, it is our duty to understand when we aren’t, and communicate it.
To gain trust consistently, you have to recognize the difference and act on it.
From the desk of Adam Thomas 