# Detective Work By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-03-09 A significant part of applied analytics within an organization is detective work. In discussing organizational performance with people within the organization, an analyst comes across different stories about what is going on and where one should look. Almost always people try to deflect blame away from themselves and one’s department. This isn’t necessarily unique or telling. What becomes more informative is when an individual attempts to encourage an analyst from looking at an entire area of data. Often the person will say things like, “that data isn’t any good” or “don’t even waste your time with that.” During the conversation, that person might also pitch that attention is given to another area. Even if the data aren’t’ “any good” (whatever that means), it won’t be a waste of time if you examine it. Part of analytic work is understanding the motives of those within the organization as they relate to the execution of analytic work. Analytic work brings light to areas amenable to improvement. This could mean that an area is underperforming. People in that area do not like that light or its implication. They will often attempt to dissuade or muddle the analysis. Be an effective detective; follow the leads, examine the evidence, interview those around the scene – question everything, believe nothing. Through the process, one will discover where analysis is needed. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Examination]] [[Data]] [[Organizational Outsiders]] [[Performance]]