On a recent Business Intelligence & Analytics implementation project, a team member expressed concern during a status meeting that they felt a Vice President was getting too “hands-on” in the project. It struck me as an odd statement. Then the project team members agreed, and I honestly had to fight the urge to say something in the meeting. I was confused. I asked why they felt that way. The response was something to the effect of, “they are too high level to be involved and should delegate. They don’t need to be concerned with the details of the data”.
I have never felt that way about higher management’s involvement in a Business Intelligence/Analytics project. I’m the exact opposite. I fight tooth and nail to ensure they participate and are engaged through the entire project from start to finish.
The reason is simple; a BI & Analytics project will fail if you don’t! It’s good to have hands-on VPs because they can make things happen. You cannot! It’s a pure and simple fact.
As a business leader, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the inner workings of your company and the various departments that contribute to its success.
A hands-on VP is actively involved in the company’s day-to-day operations and is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. This leadership style can be particularly beneficial for Business Intelligence, as it allows the VP to understand the data and information being collected and analyzed.
One of the key advantages of having a hands-on VP is that they better understand the company’s challenges and opportunities. By actively participating in the various processes and systems of the company, the VP has a firsthand view of how things are working (or not working) and can use this knowledge to inform their decision-making and strategic planning.
This offers a fresh perspective that your BI & Analytics team may need to breathe new life into your services, products, or whatever your business offers. Having this opportunity in your pocket is essential to maintaining the longevity of your BI & Analytics function.
Another benefit of a hands-on VP is that it can foster a culture of transparency and collaboration within the company. When the VP is actively engaged in the day-to-day operations, it sends a message to the rest of the team that they are approachable and willing to listen to ideas and concerns. This can create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions, leading to better communication and problem-solving within the organization.
For Busines Intelligence & Analytics, a hands-on VP can drive the embedding of that elusive data-driven culture we all so desperately want. A culture of intelligent decision-making that is based on actual data. By actively participating in the requirements gathering and design phases and activities, the VP can ensure that the correct data is being collected and that it is being used effectively to inform business decisions. This can help to improve accuracy and effectiveness, which can ultimately lead to better business outcomes.
Of course, a VP needs to strike the right balance between being hands-on and being a strategic leader. It is not necessary (or even advisable) for the VP to be involved in every single aspect of the company’s operations. However, by actively participating in critical processes and systems, the VP can gain a deeper understanding of the company and its challenges, which can inform their strategic planning and decision-making.
In conclusion, a hands-on approach to the VP role can be valuable for a company’s business intelligence efforts. By actively participating in the company’s day-to-day operations, the VP has the best vantage point of the challenges and opportunities the company faces. They can help foster a culture of transparency and collaboration to achieve data-driven decision-making. By striking the right balance between being hands-on and being a strategic leader, the VP is your best ally and asset for your BI & Analytics project.
At Blueprint Intelligence, we are business transition experts and specialize in decoding business logic into reliable insights that actually work. The truth is, there is no “one size fits all” approach in Information Delivery. Our solution-oriented mindset identifies the right communication methods to match your strategy, goals, and ultimately, the success of your project.
We plan the success of your Business Intelligence and Information Delivery journey with clear, results-driven milestones from initial conception to the final product. Our end-to-end service support ensures you are getting the most value out of your data with user training in data access and Information Delivery tools.
Contact us today to see how we can help your business.
