Lessons in Perspective — Lost In Space
Analytics Will Robinson!
Think like my mom. She would… look at the situation from a new perspective. — Penny Robinson
The quote comes about halfway through Season 2 of Netflix reboot — Lost in Space. It describes the process and mindset of the series’ top scientist and problem solver — Maureen Robinson. It a great lesson for all analysts and scientists alike.
Beyond our esteemed scientist, the Robinson family and their friends Smith & West, all seem to be blessed with perspective jarring thinking. Every problem on this show seems to be solved by a three prong punch of extreme will-power, outrageous coincidence, and alternate perspective. The first two are likely artifacts of genetics, sci-fi, or luck but the last is available to all of us. So in this case — blessed is just process, practice, and purpose.
The process is simple enough — have a problem? Consider it from different perspectives. It is a matter of purpose — you need to force yourself to do this. Repeatedly! That is the practice component. Soon it will become second nature. The field of analytics offers plenty of opportunity… much like a sci-fi action adventure.
Through out season 2, the Robinsons are perfect exemplars of this behavior. Every problem is met with altered perspective. The ship won’t move? Make it a different ship. Need to repair the engine? Become a lightning rod. Need to escape the cafeteria? Lock yourself in the freezer. Not enough time to treat the water? Visit the local gas giant. Fall off the ship? Travel the opposite direction. These are just a few examples.
At each turn, the Robinsons or their friends, purposefully examine new problems from different angles. An issue of time? Instead consider why time was needed in the first place. Check existing inventories and consider using them in a different way. They even challenge relationships…
Overwhelmed by bad guys? Convert a few into good guys. Okay, that one requires a little more than perspective changing… or perhaps just perspective from a behavioral point of view. The Robinsons exist in a sci-fi universe, but analysts truly can employ this process repeatedly and often. Even when you could solve a problem directly, it is often a good idea to alter your perspective… jic.
Now, I am not saying that Lost in Space is scientific perfection. The writers clearly take a great deal of license and honestly, seem to generate problems for the sake of filling ten episodes. But the recurring technique of examining each problem from a new perspective is clearly something analysts can learn from. And from that perspective, Lost in Space is the perfect.
Thanks for reading. For a place to practice analytic excellence consider:
