By Eric Althoff
Take a look around. Engineering marvels are everywhere – our interstate highway and railroad systems, Panama Canal, Statute of Liberty, and even ChatGPT. These were once dreams, but thanks to focused people in the engineering trades, they have become a reality and part of our lives. And chances are that most of the technologies we enjoy are thanks to our Amazing Analysts!
The Amazing Analyst has a strong sense of duty and focuses on getting the job done. They prefer logic and analysis to emotional decision-making. They like routine and structure and will only step into the limelight to present technical information and findings. They tend to be risk averse, value stability, and are willing to explore new ideas or methods, but only if they can be proven with data and analysis. Provide an Analyst with a unique problem, and they will not rest until they have (sometimes literally) covered the drawing board with plans. Numbers, spreadsheets, and visual presentations are their constant companions, which allows Analysts to impart information to an audience logically and clearly.
The Amazing Analyst is goal-oriented and thoughtful about achieving their desired end. They would rather get it done the right way than the quick way. This means they value efficiency, process, and structure more so than a forced timeline of desired results. This might put them into conflict with an impatient Constant Closer, especially since Closers like to move fast and be at the forefront of all things. But if the Closer can slow down, they will be thankful for concrete research and logical advice to help them sell. The Analysts will also identify issues ahead more clearly than a Closer would. That’s why they make a dynamic team – one arms the other with logical and important findings while the other brings it to market to sell work.
Logical Like Spock
The Amazing Analyst doesn’t like to allow emotional irrationality to get in the way of the goal. This doesn’t mean the Analyst is an emotionless Vulcan, only that they typically view emotional decision-making as counterproductive to the task at hand. It’s sometimes best to step back and think things over rather than let the situation or someone get under their skin.
Analysts typically aren’t in the game for adventure or recognition. Accordingly, they prize predictability and routine above all else since straying from established procedures opens the door to entropy. However, they will take a calculated risk under the right circumstances if “the data” backs up such a gamble. Such traits make some Analysts seem perhaps diffident and cool to those who don’t know them well, but rest assured that even if they appear to be accomplishing little in the moment, they’re mulling over the pros and cons of every step on the path to achievement. Planning now heads off surprises later.
But Even Spock Had Limits
I have friends who worked on rockets that went to Mars but ask them what they want to do for lunch, and they freeze up—one guy I know even talks lunchtime possibilities to himself aloud as if in dialogue. It’s almost as if Amazing Analysts lose the forest for the trees sometimes because they’re so focused on the big picture. Getting them out of their heads can be challenging and tearing them prematurely away from a problem for social reasons might make everyone involved unhappy.
Preparation and training can be helpful for an Amazing Analyst so they can feel more comfortable with a presentation or a specific idea. A natural problem solver, Analysts can make friends with people who get the job done and keep them accountable.
Because they thrive on routine and predictability, the Amazing Analyst might temporarily fold in the face of a new situation; pairing one up with a Notable Networker or Creative Collaborator in such a situation is a good idea, especially if a high amount of socializing is involved.
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