Emulating Lioness Focus: The Path to Success in Data-Driven Value Creation
Watching lionesses hunt, we're struck by their focus and dedication [1] —qualities essential for teams working in data. Let’s explore how humans can reach a similar level of focus and dedication.
In the wild, lionesses hunt to survive. In the data realm, our 'hunt' aims to boost sales, cut costs, reduce risks, and open new business paths. Failure carries high stakes in both worlds: physical danger for the lionesses and critical impacts on an organization's health for data teams.
Success in data projects, much like in the animal kingdom, relies on teamwork, skill, fitness, and undivided attention. However, distractions such as too many technology options, unclear requirements, and human concerns can easily sidetrack us.
To emulate the lionesses' dedication in data teams, we need to:
Stop obsessing over technology; simply choose a technology and stick to it, avoiding distractions.
Identify the key requirements and insist on descoping wishful and non-essential requirements to ensure efforts align with business value.
Foster a team environment where creativity and support thrive, mimicking how lionesses assist each other.
Addressing these challenges demands boldness, especially in the rapidly evolving field of data-driven value creation. The rewards of a successful data project can be substantial, often recouping the entire initial investment annually. Yet neglecting these opportunities happens quite often.
Combining clarity and courage is the secret sauce of success [2] - in data driven value creation as much as in life.
[1] If you want to learn more about how lion packs collaborate in hunts, check out Ian Thomas’ talks at https://ianthomas.net
[2] Robert Kaplan, What To Ask The Person In The Mirror, 1992
