Superhero Lessons in Analytics - Ep.VII
Technology & Support— Lessons from Knight Rider
Knight Rider aired on NBC from 1982 to 1986. The original series was quite popular but a string of sequels trialed over the next two decades never caught on. For the 80’s, Knight Rider his the perfect intersection of sports cars and the emerging computer industry.
The original plot had some intricacies, but the important element was simple. Man is chosen to pilot a super powered sports car and, of course, goes on to fight crime, espionage, and anything else David Hasselhoff… er, Michael Knight accidentally stumbled upon.
Lesson I — Having the Right Technology
The series had two stars/heroes. Michael Knight, a former green beret turned police officer turned major reconstructive surgery recipient and his talking car KITT. KITT, which stood for Knight Industries Two Thousand, was a super powered sports car with more tech and AI then IBM’s Watson.
KITT was a one stop technology hub. He had sensors and gadgets galore. Better yet, he had his own mobile IT shop and was often upgraded mid-show with new bells and whistles. This Pontiac Trans-Am sported massive technology.
Analytics teams are not in much need of 80’s sports cars. But the processing power, sensors, and other instrumentation packed into this car would be the envy of most analytic shops. Michael Knight was well trained, but KITT technology put this duo over the top. The right technology can do the same for any analytic team.
Lesson II — Supporting Roles
KITT was the star of the show. With all do respect to the Hoff and his 80’s haircut, the Michael Knight character was easily replaceable. This series was about the car and its technology.
That said, KITT always played the supporting role. Even William Daniels went uncredited for his voice overs. KITT was the sidekick. Analysts should learn from this as well. They are often called on to play supporting roles and should try to handle it as well as the car did. Besides, we all knew why we were watching.
Much like the car, supporting players will likely have their time in the limelight. But their role in support is important too. It gives them the freedom to worry less about performing for the audience and more about technology, talent, and outcomes. KITT often won the day, so what if Michael got the glory… and the girl… and the follow up gig on Bay Watch.
William Daniels was busy starring on St Elsewhere… okay that was more of supporting role, too. That series did last longer. Then there was Boy Meets World and Touched By An Angel. So perhaps like William Daniels, analysts may never achieve that starring role. He certainly proves that one can build a heck of career in support. And not everyone is cut out to be David Hasselhoff or Howie Mandel….
Analysts should learn from Knight Rider. Invest in great technology. Enjoy a supporting role. Embrace upgrades and be excited if you help launch the career of the next Denzel Washington … or even Ben Savage.
Read Episode VIII: Lesson from NightMan — here.
If you enjoyed this article please ❤ recommend it, subscribe to Creative Analytics, and leave your comments below.
