INFORMS Open Forum

One of my top challenges recently has been how to shift the paradigm of my workplace from a reactive response to information to that of a forward leaning one. How have other professionals dealt with this kind of shift, where traditionally data was and afterthought of the business model to driving forward where data analysis and interpretation becomes the forethought of business practices?

Hi Jeffrey,

It can certainly be quite the feat getting others on the "data as an asset" bandwagon. Many people anchor back to that required statistics class they struggled with when they hear concepts like big data and analytics. With the negative connotation, fostering a culture change may takes patience, laymen terminology, and easily digestible examples.

I've found submitting additional insights along with select reports helpful in getting others to see beyond the surface. It might be advantageous to find ways to create the demand for data analytics by presenting possibilities as you're able (and when appropriate, depending on your position). An opportunity to answer a question no one knew to ask or identifying a value add to a routine analysis request here and there could go a long way.

Best of luck in your championing efforts!