# Isolation and Collaboration By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-09-07 Analysis is a paradox. In some ways, being an analyst is incredibly isolating. One spends an inordinate amount of time at a computer, working on data wrangling, analysis, and interpretation. Occasionally, the astute analyst even takes time to craft a [[Boring analysis|story]] to make the results more understandable and compelling. Much of this work occurs inside one’s mind. But effective analysis also requires a degree of collaboration. Even with this isolation and all the corresponding stereotypes of introversion, analysts tend to be highly collegial, much like college faculty. They share a commitment to their [[profession]], and they have a general interest in [[learning]] about different analytic techniques and data sources. Often there is a benefit from opening one’s analysis to peer review and murder boards. Ideally, analysts find a trusted colleague who can not only collaborate but challenge and celebrate. Between the extremes of isolation and collaboration, a trusted colleague provides one with sincere insight. This insight will at times be critical; other times, the insight will be laudatory. A trusted colleague helps analysts deal with the isolation and collaboration which are inherent in analysis. Humans are social animals…even analysts. Working [[together]] can encourage and sustain one’s interest and effort. Analysts benefit from remembering this when they are bug-eyed and staring at a computer screen. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Paradox]] [[Collaboration]] [[Isolation]] [[College]]