Challenge One: Attitude Issues

Unbeknownst to you, stakeholder relationships could be suffering due to your perspective. I recall a moment in academia when fellow scientists lamented their struggles to secure funding for their projects, particularly from start-ups and venture capitalists. Their response was telling: "Business people simply don't grasp the science. They seem too ignorant to understand our language." Does this resonate with you?

Have you found yourself thinking, "Stakeholders are clueless about our work; we should train them to comprehend the data language"? This mindset can quickly erode your relationships with stakeholders. Why should they need to learn the data jargon in the first place?

You might be feeling a bit frustrated right now. How can I advocate for stakeholders when you view them as part of the problem? The truth is, your role in data is not fixed; you can find yourself in the stakeholders' shoes.

Let me share a relevant story to illustrate this point. My team was tasked with selecting the right API integration tool for our organization. Lacking knowledge in API integrations, we relied on vendors to demonstrate their products effectively. In this scenario, we were the stakeholders.

We engaged with two prominent vendors, whom I'll refer to as Vendor A and Vendor B. For confidentiality reasons, I won't disclose their identities, but one stood out for all the wrong reasons.

As existing customers of Vendor A, we were eager to exit our contract due to their tool's complexity. Despite paying a substantial annual fee, the tool's usability was lacking. Vendor A aimed to salvage our relationship by showcasing the capabilities of their API integration tool, which was included in our current package.

I inquired about the challenges we faced with their master data management tool, which required extensive interaction with their IT support and complicated installations in our SAP environment. Instead of seeking to understand our difficulties, the account manager responded with an attitude, asserting, "Our tools require proper training; you simply lack the knowledge to use them."

I countered, "Why was Vendor B's tool so easy to connect to our databases? It took me just ten minutes to figure it out during my testing phase."

His reply was dismissive: "You didn't attend the twenty-hour training for our tools."

Does this sound familiar? They certainly knew how to frustrate their customers. After this disappointing encounter, we proceeded to meet with Vendor B for our integration needs.

Vendor B opened the meeting by asking about our specific use cases. As we detailed our requirements, they presented various pre-set connectors compatible with our existing databases. They also demonstrated how we could tailor API calls to meet our unique needs.

When we posed basic questions, they responded with understanding and shared numerous educational resources. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present their tool and offered to demonstrate any additional features we desired. I was impressed by their customer service; they patiently engaged with us and made us feel valued.

This experience serves as a reminder of how we should interact with our stakeholders in data analytics. When projects or dashboards don’t meet expectations, do you resemble Vendor A or Vendor B? Stakeholders may not always be right, but they are not entirely wrong either. As data professionals, it’s our duty to guide them toward the desired results.

Would you enjoy collaborating with data teams that place blame on stakeholders for not comprehending data analytics? Certainly not. Stakeholders aren’t obligated to understand the intricacies of data; that’s why they rely on you! How can you assist stakeholders if you don’t invest time in understanding their needs? Emulate Vendor B, who took the time to listen and comprehend.

The Importance of Customer Service in Data Analytics

Customer service must be a priority for data professionals. Engage with your stakeholders, understand their needs, and build trust. With trust, you can deliver data projects more smoothly and foster better collaboration.

By adopting a Data Concierge mindset, you will start seeing things from your stakeholders’ perspectives, allowing you to address their needs effectively. Specialized fields exist for a reason; mastering multiple disciplines is challenging. Even if you are not well-versed in their fields, you can still listen and understand what they require. When you strive to be their advocate, you will experience greater engagement and an easier time gathering technical requirements.

This first video, titled "When To Start Applying To Your First Data Analyst Job," provides insights on the timing and strategies for entering the data analyst job market.

The second video, "This Attitude YOU NEED in Data Field!" emphasizes the essential mindset required for success in the data industry.