Curiosity and Courage are Core Competencies for Analysts

Image Credit: ChatGPT - a data analyst standing in front of a group in board room with dashboards and charts displayed

Note: I wrote this article for a LinkedIn contribution, but thought with the topic of courage and curiosity, it would fit well here too.

Data analysts are often seen as the people who just “go get the data” or build a dashboard.  But if you’ve spent any time in this role, you know that the job is so much more than just that. A huge part of an analyst’s value comes from being able to bridge the gap between numbers and business needs. And doing that well? It takes both courage and curiosity.

This is especially true for early-career data analysts who may feel intimidated by senior stakeholders or managers. However, courage - paired with curiosity - is one of the most important tools you can bring to the table.

When the Request Doesn’t Make Sense: Navigating “Because Leadership Likes It”

We’ve all been there. A manager asks for a report or dashboard that doesn’t quite align with the business goals or analytics best practices. When you dig deeper, the reasoning boils down to: “Well… the VP just likes to see it.

This can feel frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to flex your courage and curiosity. Here’s how to navigate these situations:

Understand the Underlying Value

Ask questions to uncover why the report is important to the leader. For example:

  • Can you share what decisions this dashboard helps them make?

  • Are there specific trends or signals they’re trying to monitor?

Sometimes, the reasoning isn’t as arbitrary as it seems - it might tie back to historical decisions or personal preferences that hold merit once fully understood.

Propose Alternatives (Gently)

If the request truly seems misaligned, frame suggestions as enhancements rather than criticisms. For example:

  • This dashboard could work as-is, but we could also add [x, y, z] to provide a fuller picture of the trend they’re tracking.

  • I wonder if [different visualization or approach] might make the insights even clearer - what do you think?

It’s actually your job as the analyst to determine if there is a better approach, but doing so in a way that doesn't create defensiveness is what takes more skill.

Meet the Need While Educating

Sometimes, you’ll simply need to deliver what’s requested. But you can use the opportunity to include additional insights that add context or value. For example:

  • If the dashboard tracks an irrelevant metric, include an annotation explaining its limitations alongside metrics that are more actionable.

  • In your next conversation, share a quick insight to help reframe their focus: “I noticed [x] while working on the report - you might find it useful for if looking at [y, z].

Remember, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and changing perceptions is difficult. Building trust and credibility over time by delivering value and respectfully challenging assumptions is key.

Eventually, stakeholders might start to seek your input before making similar requests in the future.

Understanding Business Problems at Their Core

Courage also means being willing to admit when you don’t understand something and asking for clarification. Stakeholders aren’t always fluent in the language of data, and analysts aren’t always fluent in the language of business.

Sometimes they may not know what they’re asking for, or you may not know what you don't know!

Closing this gap takes mutual effort. Ask questions like:

  • Can you walk me through the problem in more detail?

  • What does success look like for this project?

  • Are there any key constraints or risks I should be aware of?

These types of questions signal curiosity and a commitment to fully understanding the problem. The better you understand the context, the better insights you can provide - and the more you’ll grow as a professional.

How to Be Courageous and Curious Every Day

  • Start Small: Not every question needs to be groundbreaking. Even small clarifications can lead to better outcomes. Example: Can you explain why this metric is the focus right now?

  • Reframe the Conversation: Turn requests into collaborative problem-solving opportunities. Example: Instead of just saying, “Sure, I’ll pull that data,” try, “That’s an interesting direction. What if we also looked at [a different metric]?

  • Change Takes Time: If a stakeholder pushes back on your questions, don’t take it personally. Keep asking thoughtful questions, and over time, they’ll come to value your input.

  • Seek Feedback: After meetings or deliverables, ask stakeholders if the information met their needs. This can open up dialogue for further refinement and build trust.

  • Adopt a Growth Mindset: Realize that as humans, life is a journey of growth. While helping other stakeholders understand your perspective, you’ll likely learn new things about their perspectives and grow.

  • Be Brave: If you get the feeling that you really should say something, trust your instincts. Approach the situation with vulnerability and transparency, this will show you are being genuine. Be intentional about what you want to say, but it doesn't have to be perfect when you are upfront about being vulnerable, honest and approaching the situation with good intentions.

Better Outcomes for Everyone

When you approach your work with courage and curiosity, you don’t just become a better data analyst - you help your organization make smarter decisions. By challenging assumptions and seeking deeper understanding, you ensure the solutions you deliver are truly aligned with business goals. Stakeholders feel heard, decisions are better informed, and you develop a reputation as a strategic thinker.

So, the next time you feel hesitation before asking a “what if” or “why” question, remember this, as cliche as it may sound: Courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about being willing to act despite your fears.

Oregon and California Tsunami Warnings - December 5th, 2024

Edit: As I was preparing the original blog post - a flurry of magnitude 6+ earthquakes hit the northern coast of California. Living on the Southern Oregon Coast, we received an emergency alert for the earthquake, quickly followed by a tsunami warning. Thankfully, I had a great plan to gather my family from school & work, and head to high ground.

Ultimately, everything was okay and no tsunami hit. The warning was cancelled a short while after issued, but panic spread across the entire city. Streets were jammed, and I had to improvise. Finding new roads, all while driving safely and obeying the laws became important as everything was gridlocked.

This highlights the importance of having a good plan. With all of that said, enjoy the original blog post.

Surviving a Natural Disaster Takes Courage & Adaptability

I have been thinking about the basics of survival since I was a kid.  Growing up in the Midwest, we had tornadoes and floods threatening to take us out every spring & summer. 

Now that I live in the coastal Pacific Northwest, earthquakes and tsunamis are the threat.  And if you live in the Southeast, I don’t need to tell you about the danger of hurricanes.  The point is, there’s potential for danger no matter where you live.

This does not mean that you need to be anxious every day.  In the face of a natural disaster, courage and adaptability are paramount.  A well-defined emergency plan is crucial, but so is the ability to adjust that plan when faced with unexpected challenges. 

With the right plan and adaptability skills on your side, you can rest easy knowing that you are ready for what may come.

The Importance of a Pre-Defined Emergency Plan

A pre-defined emergency plan is your roadmap in a crisis.  It should include:

Practice and/or roleplay your Emergency Plan with your immediate family or housemates.  It can help you identify gaps in your plan and when minutes/seconds matter, having been through the plan before will help you feel more confident.

The Role of Courage in a Disaster

Courage is not the absence of fear, it is acting regardless of fear.  In a disaster, you may need to:

  • Make quick decisions: There may not be time to fully work out the perfect reaction.  Trust your instincts and your plan.  In most cases, you can pivot if you made the wrong choice.

  • Face the unknown: Disasters are unpredictable. Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone.  The good news is that if you struggle with this now, there are resources to help you get better.

  • Help others: Your courage can inspire others and help them survive.  Remaining positive in times of crisis can be the difference between giving up or continuing to fight.

Adaptability: The Key to Survival

No plan survives first contact with the enemy.  The same is true for disaster plans. You must be able to adapt when:

  • Your evacuation route is blocked.  Find an alternate route or shelter in place.  Know how to read paper maps in case your GPS/phone maps are not working.

  • Your communication plan fails. Use alternative methods to contact loved ones. Memorize or keep a written copy of the most important phone numbers.

  • Your supplies run low. Ration your supplies and find ways to replenish them. In times of crisis, community members often trade in lieu of currency.

  • The situation changes unexpectedly. Be prepared to reassess and adjust your plan as needed.

Real-World Examples of Courage and Adaptability

Conclusion

Surviving a natural disaster requires both courage and adaptability. A pre-defined emergency plan is essential, but it is equally important to be able to adjust that plan in the face of unexpected challenges. By cultivating these two traits, you can increase your chances of survival and help others do the same.