The Passion of Analysis

As we continue to struggle with the essence of what makes good analysis and how we labor with uncovering truth by merging the physical disciplines of engineering with the mental curiosity of science and the spontaneous creativity of art we build a passion for our career field. Dr. Henningsen speaks freely about passion within the field of analysis and often dons a red business suit to accent her own “passion” for the subject.

Interestingly a Marine Corps Press publication that hit the streets in 2007 called, “The Passion of Command; The Moral Imperative of Leadership”, by Colonel B. P. McCoy, delves into “Passion” from the stand point of leading soldiers into combat. Whereas the field of operations research should never be construed to approach anything near the life and death circumstances of a combat infantryman, Col McCoy’s instructions in leadership are useful tools across countless professions and other human endeavors. Analogies can be drawn to many of the necessary aspects of combat, like cleaning and firing a weapon, and those analogies are sound. Because, as with repetition and practice and knowing your M-16A2 rifle like the back of your hand, also knowing the tools of your trade, in any trade, so well that their operation becomes second nature does not stretch the analogy and is easy to understand.

To become a professional means to become not just proficient but to move beyond the apprentice and journeyman stage. Becoming a master in your craft is what must be sought. On the battlefield it means the expert and unflinching application of violence against ones adversary. In analysis it means the courage to seek that which is accurate verses that which is favored by political or personal bias. But yes, accuracy does not come easy. Illuminating accurate criteria for choices that must be made by those who are in a position to decide does not come easy. Napoleon’s glance, coup de oeil, cannot be confused with intuition when the matter is complex. Therefore the analyst must become a master a deconstructing the problem and then reconstructing the issues that surround the problem in a way that is logical, consistent, and obeys the laws of physical science.

If it is accurate to say that some soldier as better than others, than it is also accurate to believe that some doctors, some lawyers, some teachers, and some analysts are also better than others. In fact even on the battlefield, unfortunately we must live according to the 3,000 year old law of Heracles which is quoted by McCoy in his book, but is worth repeating for another 3,000 years. “Of every one hundred men in battle ten should not even be there. Eighty are nothing but targets. Nine are the real fighters. We are lucky to have them since they make the battle. Ah, but the one—one is the warrior—and he brings the others home.”

How then to we strive to be the one? Or, at least one of the ten? That, is the essence of what, this blog is all about. This blog may not be perfect…but it is dedicated to those of us who want to do better. But it takes more than dedication, more than education, more than belief. It takes passion. Are you passionate about analysis?

Based on Actual Events

The account described in our 8 Sept Blog was based on actual events. The analyst is real. He is an intelligent and extremely loyal member of a corporate team. He is an operations expert who had spent significant time in the field, as well as in school to become an analyst. A practical if not recognized expert on both the subject to which he spoke and analysis to which he conducted. Before the study even began the pudgy finger poking PM was asked the simple question...If the results of the analysis are negative towards your program what will you do? The PM was confident and optimistic in his response that he was a company man and a team player. He wanted only the best for the organization and he would support the study to the fullest. It was only a matter of days before the PM started stone walling the analysis team. Despite the barriers placed in their way, the analysis team moved forward, uncovering and discovering many interesting and contrary facts along the way. When the study was complete the team dutifully briefed the PM. The team was immediately descended upon by legions of critics attempting to pull apart the analysis. Briefing after briefing was conducted and the analysis and analyst stood firm – yet no one would tell the CEO that a mistake had been made. Lips were sealed until it was apparent that another company was becoming a potential competitor. When the analysis team could no longer sit on the truth it was taken to the CEO. The results are now history. The analyst was promoted early and will return to operations. The PM was last seen attending a retirement seminar. And the Truth shall set you free…