# Modern Day Switchboard Operators By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2023-11-13 Regardless of physical and rhetorical positioning, Analytics as a capability does not have a seat at the table where decisions are made. Analytics is a tool people and organizations use to make their particular point. One may argue that this isn't true because the results of analysis often influence something about the decision. A fly influences the amount of light flying into my eye but doesn't impact my thoughts on the sunrise. This influence is short-sighted and inconsequential. If one still disagrees, ask oneself what is more influential: the question or the answer? The answer is subordinate to the question. The question has all the power, and it limits the possibilities. What authority does Analytics have to ask originating organizational questions like what does a good mission statement look like? Analytics does not exist within organizations to ask these questions. It is only valued for answers. Thus, what does a seat at the table look for Analytics? It's not to be the AI question-answering bot or head internet searcher. A seat at the table is the ability and duly appointed authority to ask a question that stops the organization from operating. Until this happens, Analytics is an organizational and managerial parlor trick doomed to the fate of telephone switchboard operators. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Decision-making]] [[Authority]] [[Management]] [[Organization]] [[Questions]] [[Answers]]