# Doing Simple Things Well By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-09-09 Analytics is challenging. Within the field of analytics is a variety of advanced mathematical techniques and concepts. This can be daunting for those entering an analytics career and is certainly intimidating for many outside the area of [[expertise]]. There can be a tendency to look at analytics at its most complicated and feel overwhelmed. Sadly, some would-be good analysts psych themselves out and do something else. Whereas there are many challenges in becoming an analyst, the first step is doing (relatively) simple things well. Frequently, one gains an awareness of the concepts of mean, median, mode, and standard deviation in introductory statistics courses. As abstract, mathematical concepts might be difficult for one to understand when and how one might use these concepts. As an analyst, there is a great deal of utility associated with [[understanding]] these foundational concepts thoroughly and being able to apply them to one’s analysis and organizational [[discussions]]. So, what is meant by “well.” It isn’t just that one is able to calculate these values. More importantly, one understands them in a way that allows for a discussion as to usage and limits. One example is the mode can be used on categorical data rather than exclusively on numeric data. That allows the mode to be used in situations in which the mean or median cannot. Alternatively, when one is dealing with numeric data with extreme values, the median provides one with a more meaningful approximation of the [[measurement]] of central tendency. In other words, when extreme values are present, the mean tends to be biased by those values. Once one masters the simpler things in analytics, one can progress to more advanced techniques. The key isn’t to “know it all.” One can’t and won’t. The key is to actually know what one professes to know. If you know it, know it well. It’s okay not to know things. Knowing that one doesn’t know something can be an essential moment in one’s development and growth. Development as an analyst is facilitated by focusing attention on mastering the fundamentals. Like any practice, this can be tedious. Working through and mastering the basics is what allows experienced analysts to discuss effectively what was done, why it was done, and what the implications are to any audience. Doing simple things well is anything but simple. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Statistics]] [[Growth]] [[Development]]