# And the Reason Is... By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-09-21 Anyone who has attended many business meetings has likely experienced something like the following. One needs a department to provide its data to the wider organization. Upon this request, individuals from that department provide reasons why they can’t offer it. These reasons often center around the notion that the way things currently are exists for a reason. Perhaps there are legal requirements around what the department does that dictate what they must do. Maybe there is sensitive information. There is no limit to the possible reasons given. All these responses likely hold an element of truth. Sure, over time, departments and protocols exist for legitimate reasons. But this isn’t why the resistance occurs. People can, and sometimes do, broaden the operation to allow for information sharing. Essential to this is the “more.” The department will need to do everything it currently does for the reasons they do it. In addition, they will also need to do whatever is being asked if they are compelled to do so. Few people want to do this. So, what do they do? They try to hide behind jargon, technicalities, rules, and professional practice. All these act as a cover for something much more simple. They are being asked to do something new. This requires more work and is outside their comfort zone. Additionally, this is placing their work under scrutiny. Is it any wonder people tend to deflect? No, it makes sense. Analysts confront this frequently. Organizations that overcome this all too human tendency can integrate necessary data into their decision-making and move from reporting to managing. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Data]] [[Organization]] [[Work]] [[Management]] [[Decision-making]] [[Resistance]]