Micro expressions et al

Recalled social psychologist Mark Frank’s research on ‘micro-movements’ after last night down the pub, strange to say. In v. brief, micro-movements are the involuntary movements in the face in response to thoughts and emotions. There was a good example of my ability in this respect when talking to a guy who was with another company, who when I queried the name of his company gave a brief look of distain. What was unusual in this example is that a few minutes later into the conversation he expressed surprise that I didn’t know about his company. To watch I replied that this was something I had already picked up on having detected micro-movements in his face. That’s the first time I have incorporated my understanding in a normal conversation..

It may also relate at an analagous level to my ability find small flaws in systems, if you agree there is an underlying similarity between how so-called systems like organisations and individual psychology work/don’t work. But hey let’s lighten up, it’s Saturday after all..

Modeling an Intelligence Analysis Profession on Medicine

Thought piece from Stephen Marrin and Johathan D. Clemente on using the American Medical Association as a model for embedding professionalism in the US intelligence service/s makes for interesting reading. Liked the phrase from the 9/11 Commission that the quality of people is more important than the quality of ‘wiring diagrams’ (reminded me of a similar point which came up from the Challenger Disaster investigation). Plus the importance of capturing knowledge within intelligence organisations.