# Unrelenting Cassandra By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2023-08-28 I've been haunted by [[Analysts as Modern Cassandras]] lately. Cassandra is blessed with knowing the future but cursed with no one listening to her. Analysts in many organizations could be considered modern Cassandras. Knowing what is likely to occur as a result of detailed study and thinking is what analysts pursue as a profession. Learning that no one will listen is rarely something that analysts are ready for. I've spent many years attempting to subvert this problem in different ways. Engaging presentations and reports, involving stakeholders throughout the project, and building trusting relationships might be necessary but insufficient. An analyst can do everything right, only to have nearly everyone say, "I don't get it." Often, the problem has nothing to do with the analyst and everything to do with the mental state of the "audience." If they are not prepared to listen, think, and consider their position, there is no hope for the analysis to be effective. Rarely is this discussed or even thought about as a downfall of organizational analysis. So much time is spent on effective communication, statistical linguistics, and organizational structures that no one bothers asking: Are you ready to become a thinking organization? Most people won't know how to respond to such a question as it is outside the norms. Most people will likely say they want insights and are all about the data. This sounds right until one realizes they want insights and data to confirm their view of the world. Very few people are open and mindful. Very few people think and challenge themselves. An analyst will likely become stuck in making money with virtually zero progress, leaving one questioning existence. If one works at an organization that has been around for five or more years, look for the historical reports, presentations, and ideas. Now, compare that to what is happening today. Is anything different? I will bet nothing is different except catchphrases and fad management doctrines. Humans are great at detecting subtle differences and magnifying and manipulating them into something meaningful. Upon further examination, these subtle differences in organizations are insignificant. The same path remains even when the analyst perfectively lays out a better path. Why continue to walk in the same circle? It's always been this way, and no one is thinking. #### Related Items [[Thinking]] [[Analytics]] [[Organizational Analytics]] [[Progress]] [[Existential]] [[Cycles]]