Page 36 - Future Demands Jan 2021

While this kind of thinking may seem very new, the truth is it’s anything but.
The last century has seen any number of examples of significant figures analysing what’s been in order to consider what might be. Just apply that to Churchill’s famous quote that “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.”
But, it’s not just historic. It’s prehistoric. Literally.
Furthermore, as each year passed, records were compared to evaluate past successes and failures, and this knowledge was passed down generations. This meant the more informed group could now be more confident in its predictions, and grow collectively stronger.
That, right there, is data analysis, and that is the future we collectively walk towards.
And, while technology evolves, the basic principles of data analysis remain the same. So much so that
Your challenges will hopefully be less grave than this, but without clarity at the planning stage, you’ll never achieve the kind of gains you seek.
So, drill down to the clearest – and most succinct – pain points you can, using the most simple language possible.
2
Gather the right data
In a world of limitless data points, picking the right things to track is key. By capturing the quantity of supplies, alongside which hunting location or trading partner the supply
FUTURE DEMANDS
“PALAEOLITHIC TRIBESPEOPLE CARVED NOTCHES ON BONES TO TRACK CRITICAL SUPPLIES, LIKE FOOD AND FURS, ALONGSIDE HUNTING, FORAGING, AND TRADING RECORDS”
For, if you travelled back eighteen thousand years to what today we call Uganda, you’d find the earliest recorded data analysis system in full flow.
Back then, palaeolithic tribespeople carved notches on bones to track critical supplies, like food and furs, alongside hunting, foraging, and trading records. This data allowed experienced elders to calculate future stocks, and plan resupply missions before provisions got too low, ensuring survival.
this earliest recorded example teaches us five practical and contemporary lessons you can apply today to make your business more successful in 2021 and beyond.
1
Know the problem you’re trying to solve The tribes knew precisely what concern they were addressing – their supplies often ran out, which meant not all the group could eat and stay warm. This meant mortality rates would be high.
was secured from, they had all the info they needed to make informed decisions. When you’re reviewing your data capture, it’s important to start wide in your scope, but logically narrow in as tightly as possible. Irrelevant data is not only a waste of your time, but also a potential red herring in your analytical thinking.
3
Show top down leadership
With the elders so heavily involved in the process, there was visible buy-in from the top.
The most effective cultural change
36