Summary

In this conversation, Brian and Ross discuss their initial understanding of analytics and how it has evolved. They explore the role of analytics in organizations and the challenges of decision-making. They also discuss the influence of leadership and the potential for collective decision-making. Overall, they emphasize the importance of asking critical questions and considering a broader range of factors in analysis and decision-making.

Takeaways

• Analytics has evolved from focusing on data analysis and statistics to a broader emphasis on helping people think through problems.
• The value of analysis lies in understanding the truth and exploring a wider range of possibilities.
• Organizations often use analysis as a rhetorical tool to support decision-making, but analysis has the potential to shape, constrain, and inform decisions.
• The inclusion or exclusion of certain factors in analysis can significantly impact the outcomes and decisions made.
• Leadership can emerge in a collective decision-making process, but it is important to consider how leaders are identified and the potential for negative traits to influence decision-making.

Sound Bites

"Analytics is primarily about helping people think through a problem and come to a solution."

"Analysis can shape, constrain, and inform decisions."

"Analysis unconstrained is philosophy."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Initial Understanding of Analytics

07:19

Different Approaches to Analysis: Performance vs. Dialogue

12:47

The Role of Analysis in Organizations: Rhetoric vs. Shaping Decisions

19:07

Starting with Critical Questions: Impact on Decision-Making

24:39

Leadership in Collective Decision-Making: Emergence and Influence

33:04

Conclusion and Call to Action