Historically, being a nerd has been a challenge – and one to be avoided. For nerds, this was your lot in life:
Milton was kicked around, forced to change cubicles, denied birthday cake, and his beloved red stapler was an object of both theft and derision. But these days, the socially challenged have a new view of the world.
Mark Zuckerberg, a geek by any objective definition, possessed both data and programming skills and is now the world’s youngest billionaire and friend to many.
Sports are now ruled by data analytics (see this article on Sabermetrics or this Oscar-nominated film); Google search returns and through your social networking views are driven by your personal data stream; this list could go on, but what about us business people? It’s time to dig down deep and find the data nerd inside of you.
The rise of the deluge of data and Big Data have every company aggregating, utilizing, and trying to drive market success through data analysis. There isn’t much debate around the importance of business intelligence at the company level. Competing on analytics is a given. But, it is equally critical for success at the individual level – regardless of your position. Everyone needs to be able to handle themselves around data; analytical skills are now a requirement for your human capital.
Currently, 95.4% of all job postings list some form of analytical skills as a required skill (see footnote 1, below). To remain relevant and competitive in the market today everyone needs to embrace, obtain and/or improve their individual analytical abilities.
You don’t need to run multi-variant regression analysis, write the code to build a data warehouse, or have magician-like Excel skills. However, the ability to critically analyze relevant data sets, business strategies, and market opportunities are table stakes these days in virtually any setting. Lacking in this area? Don’t be alarmed. Here are three easy ways to build serviceable analytical skills:
• Seek out your company’s business analysts. Every firm has a group that is responsible for business analysis. Find these people, learn what they do and (most importantly) study their output. You’ll get a better understanding of what your company does, granting you a relevant, contributing point of view. You will also learn how to consume data within a context you understand.
• Read strategy sections of annual reports. Annual reports are a gold mine of information that most people ignore. Read your own company’s report and those of your competitors and clients (and even companies you find interesting). These sections are typically only 2-3 pages long. Understanding strategy is at the root of all analytical skills.
• Solve puzzles and learning modules. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, logic games (luminosity has a great app), or even basic learning modules from my man Salman Khan will all force your brain to think differently than it normally does. This is the first step in obtaining critical thinking skills and will help you solve problems that reside outside your comfort zone.
Analytical skills are the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will you be more effective at your job, but boosting your analysis abilities will ultimately make you and your company more successful. This skill is 100% transferable to any role or company that may lie in your future.
So embrace your inner nerd. No one is going to steal your lunch money or make you join the chess club – and you’ll be better off for it.
Footnote: This number is completely fabricated. This was actually a test of your analytical abilities. Thus, if you thought, “that number can’t be right” – you passed. If you thought “wow, that’s amazing!” you failed and need to rethink the credibility you give someone who leads a post with a picture of Milton from Office Space.
Source for Milton picture: Tumblr
Source for Zuckerberg picture: The Nology