This age-old adage resonates deeply with the process of turning a company into a data-driven entity. Just as consuming an elephant is a monumental task requiring patience and strategy, the journey towards becoming data-driven demands a similar approach: one step at a time, persistence in the face of setbacks, a focus on progress over perfection, and consistent small strides towards the ultimate goal
91.9% of executives cite cultural obstacles as the greatest barrier to becoming data driven.
MIT Sloan Management Review
Persistence in the Face of Setbacks
Transitioning to a data-driven company is not without its challenges. Like any ambitious endeavor, roadblocks are inevitable. Take, for example, the task of data cleansing which involves rectifying or removing inaccurate figures, thus ensuring that the data accurately reflects the phenomenon it intends to gauge. According to a survey carried out by Anaconda, data cleansing still occupies more than a quarter of the average data scientist’s day. Despite the general aversion to data cleansing within the realm of data science, its significance in forming an effective data strategy cannot be denied. This awareness is what drives us to actively pursue the ideal of having “clean data.”
It’s crucial to encourage a culture of persistence among your team. Just as tackling an elephant is no easy feat, setbacks can be disheartening. But by reminding your team of the ultimate goal and instilling a sense of determination, you can overcome challenges and continue moving forward.
Emphasizing Progress over Perfection
When faced with the mammoth task of turning your company into a data-driven powerhouse, it’s easy to succumb to the pressure of achieving perfection from the outset. However, the path to success is rarely linear. Let’s say you are trying to optimize the inventory management for your company using data-driven insights. Instead of waiting to collect a massive amount of data before taking any actions, start analyzing the data you currently have, even if it’s not entirely complete – this will allow you to identify trends, patterns, and potential areas for improvement based on the available data. As you gather more data over time, you will refine your analyses and adjust your strategies. This iterative approach will enforce you to make incremental enhancements to your inventory management practices based on the insights you acquire.
It’s important to emphasize progress over perfection. Just as you wouldn’t devour an elephant in a single gulp, you can’t transform your company overnight. Instead, celebrate small wins and incremental improvements as you go.
Focusing on Making Small Progress Every Day
The journey towards data-driven excellence is a marathon, not a sprint. Just as A/B testing involves making incremental adjustments to optimize outcomes, the principle of focusing on making small progress every day is paramount. It’s akin to taking methodical bites to conquer an elephant, where the accumulation of consistent, daily advancements becomes the driving force. To embark on this journey, devise a roadmap that dissects the transformation process into manageable, actionable steps. Inspire your team to dedicate themselves to taking these measured strides each day, as this approach enables them to steadily amass valuable insights, refine their skills, and cultivate a culture of data-driven excellence.
Remember, turning your company into a data-driven entity is a transformational journey that requires time, patience, and strategic planning. Approach it with the mindset of conquering an elephant — one byte at a time.