# What does analytics do and when is it useful By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-08-20 Analytics establishes clarity. The word clarity is selected as opposed to [[facts]] or the truth, although some might argue that analytics establishes one of those. The problem with the notions of facts or truth is that those elements are viewed as incontestable. Clarity on the other hand is open to refinement. Clarity, in its analytic sense, simply means that one knows: a) what one thinks, and b) why one thinks that as opposed to something else. Analytics is particularly useful when the results reveal something unexpected. Although due to cognitive biases like the confirmation bias, people tend to find it gratifying when analytic results confirm one’s thinking, this isn’t really when it is most useful. Rather, when the results of analysis challenge us to reconsider a position, the results help us to think and make [[progress]]. So, what types of mindsets are conducive to effective analytics? There is certainly space for [[creative]] and critical thinking. In addition, one benefits from an ability to shift mindsets. If the end product of analysis is to inform decision-making, one ultimately needs to have a degree of pragmatic thinking to determine what is needed for the question at hand. Finding all of these in one person is challenging. For this reason, collaboration is important. Collaboration is something more than simply having multiple people [[work]] on a task. It is possible to have people in proximity be as isolated as an alone individual. Collaboration requires authentic working together. Through collaboration our diverse talents and complement each other. Additionally, our best talents can inspire each other and energize our focus on collective projects. Analysis is complex. It is certainly more than just the mathematical manipulation of [[data]]. Gaining the clarity required to think differently and effectively requires openness. Paradoxically, [[expertise]] is often a barrier to such openness. In this way, the most effective analysts are often the ones who know what they are doing but are simultaneously dissatisfied with what they know. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Cognitive Biases]] [[Decision-making]] [[Thinking]] [[Collaboration]]