What is the first step in creating an organization that uses evidence for decision making?

The first step in creating an organization that uses evidence for decision making is to review the mission and vision statements. This foundational step ensures that the organization has a clear understanding of its core values and objectives, which guide its overall direction. The mission statement articulates the organization's purpose and the vision statement outlines the desired future state. By revisiting these critical elements, leaders can align their strategies, including the integration of evidence-based practices, with the organization's goals. This alignment is essential for fostering a culture that prioritizes data-informed decision making. Furthermore, clear mission and vision statements serve as benchmarks against which all new initiatives, including staffing, technology implementation, and assessments, can be evaluated for relevance and impact, ensuring that decisions made moving forward support the overarching goals of the organization.