Armageddon: Lessons in handling Big Data
Lesson 1: Assemble a diverse team of experts
In the movie, NASA stops at nothing to enlist the help of ‘the world’s best deep core driller’, Harry Stamper. After some negotiation, Harry offers to take the job but only if he can bring in his own men. Next, the audience is treated to a montage of motorcycle chases and seedy bars as they attempt to assemble the ‘best of the best’. And later, we come to learn just how diverse this team of misfit cowboys truly is.
While you might be wondering how comparable the renegade background of offshore drillers could be to a group of data miners. I recall a team holiday lunch that I was part of as a younger analyst. Our CAO had been invited to join us. He was an Ivy League graduate with many years of experience at one of the country’s top consulting firms. He promptly ordered a beer that had to be uncorked. He looked around the table and announced — “You risk guys have to be the most interesting team of analysts in my department. Let’s go around the table. How many of you have a tattoo? And how many of you have ever been arrested?” The results forever changed the way I thought of analysts…
Now, while I might steer clear of motorcycle chases and convicted felons (a movie reference, not a reflection of my early team), diversity is a necessity for a strong analytic team.
Let’s face it. Harvard makes lawyers. Johns Hopkins makes doctors. MIT is great for engineers. But analysts come from any number of programs, not to mention majors. I have employed philosophers, chemists, criminal justice majors, and linguists, just to name a recent few. I have recruited from retailers, pharmaceutical giants, the DMV, banks, the NSA, and a retirement home (management, not residents… so far).
The more diverse the background, education, and experience of the team — the better (at least in my experience). When dealing with Big Data and Technology that diversity quickly becomes a great asset. Big Data is not a forgiving subject — much like the asteroid in Armageddon.
I wanna name her Dottie after my wife. She’s a vicious life-sucking bitch from which there is no escape.
Team building is the first of many lessons that Armageddon has to offer… stay tuned.
Originally published at www.linkedin.com.
