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I see too many "data driven companies" that are not data driven, but selectivly use data to do what the executive wants to be done. On top of that I see compan

I see too many "data driven companies" that are not data driven, but selectivly use data to do what the executive wants to be done. On top of that I see companies with employees who didn't understand college mathematics but now want to be data driven - E.g. basing major decisions on 10 customer feedback data points. Or who don't know the difference between median and average.

antisthenes 4y ago
There's also something to be said about having the wisdom to understand which data you can do something about and which you can't. E.g. if the metrics of customer acquisition vs customer LTV don't make sense on a fundamental level, it doesn't matter what your other metrics are showing.
solarkraft 4y ago
More like data driving companies, am I right?
Quarrelsome 4y ago
> but selectivly use data to do what the executive wants to be done. the thirst of some people when I give them something that sounds like what they want. When they re-parrot last years findings back to me incorrectly because they only listened to the parts that backed up their instinctual beliefs. Makes me angry I waste my time on the data when all they wanted was an excuse. I coulda given them an excuse without having to do all that data digging...
- buscoquadnary 4y ago
  Sounds like you need to embrace the "Zen of Wally" my friend. Just pull up Dilbert.com search for Wally and then read every strip associated with him. At the end you will understand. You will also receive extra points if you do this while you are supposed to be working as that is practicing not just living the Zen of Wally.
itsoktocry 4y ago
>I see too many "data driven companies" that are not data driven, but selectivly use data to do what the executive wants to be done. Bingo. And judging by many of the comments here, it's spoiled people's opinions on what it really means to be "data driven". I mean, imagine advocating for "good judgement" when so much empirical research says it's not repeatable?
- mattnewport 4y ago
  Do you have empirical research / data supporting data driven companies being more successful? Genuine question - I'd be interested to see it but I notice a lack of data supporting the argument that being data driven is associated with success in this thread.
mountainriver 4y ago
Yup just ran into this at my company. All of the higher ups claim they want the org to be data driven, I then presented them with exhaustive research on a potential tool to use, but they pushed it aside because it didn’t confirm their biases. Bad execs will find a way to manipulate any good philosophy toward their control

antisthenes 4y ago

There's also something to be said about having the wisdom to understand which data you can do something about and which you can't. E.g. if the metrics of customer acquisition vs customer LTV don't make sense on a fundamental level, it doesn't matter what your other metrics are showing.

solarkraft 4y ago

More like data driving companies, am I right?

Quarrelsome 4y ago

> but selectivly use data to do what the executive wants to be done. the thirst of some people when I give them something that sounds like what they want. When they re-parrot last years findings back to me incorrectly because they only listened to the parts that backed up their instinctual beliefs. Makes me angry I waste my time on the data when all they wanted was an excuse. I coulda given them an excuse without having to do all that data digging...

buscoquadnary 4y ago
Sounds like you need to embrace the "Zen of Wally" my friend. Just pull up Dilbert.com search for Wally and then read every strip associated with him. At the end you will understand. You will also receive extra points if you do this while you are supposed to be working as that is practicing not just living the Zen of Wally.

itsoktocry 4y ago

>I see too many "data driven companies" that are not data driven, but selectivly use data to do what the executive wants to be done. Bingo. And judging by many of the comments here, it's spoiled people's opinions on what it really means to be "data driven". I mean, imagine advocating for "good judgement" when so much empirical research says it's not repeatable?

mattnewport 4y ago
Do you have empirical research / data supporting data driven companies being more successful? Genuine question - I'd be interested to see it but I notice a lack of data supporting the argument that being data driven is associated with success in this thread.

mountainriver 4y ago

Yup just ran into this at my company. All of the higher ups claim they want the org to be data driven, I then presented them with exhaustive research on a potential tool to use, but they pushed it aside because it didn’t confirm their biases. Bad execs will find a way to manipulate any good philosophy toward their control