3 Why Me?

Do you enjoy identifying problems to solve? Do you naturally look for solutions based on sound reasoning? Do you find yourself interpreting and translating interesting tidbits of information into practical insights? Do you want to focus on the human side of things? Do you find the inner workings of people interesting? Do you worry about the social implications of technology, government, or ‘big business’ quantifying people? Are you looking for a career where you can improve the lives of others in some way? Do you feel a person is more than just their job title or education and should be treated as such? If you said yes to any of these, you are likely naturally suited to People Analytics.

Did you notice that I didn’t ask about statistics, math, or even analysis? You don’t have to identify as a “math” person to be great at People Analytics. People Analytics is a science to be approached with rigor and process, but it is also an art. It takes skills beyond simply looking at numbers to implement effective people strategies and solve business problems. The word people comes first in Peoples Analytics. It involves appreciating the power of information and insight while acknowledging that people cannot and should not be reduced to numbers alone. Applying People Analytics in your career may involve analytics, but it also takes:

• an inquisitive mind to ask and design the right questions,
• a critical eye to interpret and ensure analytical outcomes are reliable,
• effective story-telling techniques to translate information to others, and
• leadership and accountability to implement the outcomes produced by people analytics insights.

If you feel a People Analytics career might be right for you, read on! I hope this guide will provide some ideas, inspiration, and insights along the way.