A Well-Balanced People Analytics Function

When I was learning how to make cocktails, I was told you need the perfect combination of acid, bitters, sweetness, and a base. I learned over time that there are many ways to make a well-balanced cocktail - but in the end, success is determined by the individual and her unique tastes.

There are so many articles out there on how to create a people analytics function, and how to build a successful people analytics organization - but I am here to say that there are many right answers. Every company is different - and each is looking for unique outcomes. What works for one company may not work for another - so it is important to understand what success looks like in your corporation, and go from there.

What I can tell you is that there are a bunch of core skills that will set you up for success - but it is the proportions that should be customized, depending on where your company is on the people analytics journey. This mix will also shift over time, along with your maturity model, and the capability of your customers.

When we were first starting out, we had a lot more people that I would call "generalists" – some came from finance (myself included), were comfortable with data and storytelling, others were ex-consultants who understood how to contract with people, and a couple of I/O psychologists who had an expertise in engagement surveys and research. Over time we realized that we needed data scientists, but only when our customers had trust in the data, and then knew what to do with the outcomes. Data privacy is another area that became more and more important as our capabilities grew in maturity. Now I feel like it is an absolute necessity, particularly as we navigate GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

I have often said that my team is like a puzzle - and that each piece contains the skills needed to create a beautiful picture. Every piece needs to fit together in some way that comes together seamlessly. That picture may change over time, and it is up to the leader to determine how the pieces evolve to make sure that the end result drives the intended outcomes for business success. And the outcome can be extremely satisfying, just like a well balanced cocktail where all the flavors come together perfectly to create an experience that you will remember. Cheers to that!