Personality Traits
Analysts are typically focused and analytical, but are also surprisingly creative. They are critical thinkers and very strategic in their approach. They are also logical observers and judges of what is going on. Because Analysts are good at detaching themselves from bias, they are often the ones to see all available options with the greatest clarity. Analysts take everything into account, spot the details that are most important, and by moving slowly and analytically will almost always come to the right decision. They are fair-minded, and give well considered and sound advice.
Analysts are often described as cool, yet serious and prudent. They are the ones who are anxious to ensure the consequences of any decision are fully thought through. They enjoy analysing problems and evaluating ideas, and shine when asked to weigh up the pros and cons of different options. The specialist knowledge Analysts impart, and the single-mindedness with which they attack data means they tend to pride themselves on being hard-working, dedicated, and self-motivated.
Workplace
The Analyst sees a world of possibilities and opportunities in the complexities most of us don’t understand. They love facts and figures, and relish the opportunity to approach information in new ways. They see the value of data and can have a more pragmatic approach: it’s not an end; it’s a means.
Analysts typically manage key production processes, as well as organisation, team and individual performances. Disciplined and perfectionist, the Analyst ensures compliance with established targets, policies and procedures. They analyse and manage information and ensure proper flow through the organisation. The Analyst knows all the facts and details. They show great enthusiasm in handling administration, responding to routine information, and preparing reports and other documents.
Analysts break problems apart and try to see all the alternatives. They are the people in the organisation that are ‘the voice of reason’. Analysts focus on gathering information, dealing with facts, being rational, and looking at situations from different perspectives. Always trying to gather more information. For Analysts, crunching data is a natural fit. It affords them the intellectual and creative freedom to generate new ideas and constructs, and satisfies their intellectual curiosity. After all, data doesn’t speak for itself. You need to know what questions to ask it and how to interpret it. And that makes data science a very creative field.
The perfect persona for business analysts, managers, consultants, sales professionals and more, individuals with an Analyst personality are methodical workers, who are able to manage and process large quantities of information in pursuit of overall business goals.
Analysts work best when challenges arise that require advanced analytical ability and astute problem-solving. Because of their ability to consistently make effective decisions, these individuals often hold managerial positions. For example, the persona is well suited to business analyst roles, where it is necessary to report on complex data, manage projects and communicate updates to clients and internal stakeholders alike.
Team Dynamic
The main contribution of the Analyst is to evaluate the feasibility and practical value of ideas and suggestions that come from both within and outside the project team. Despite the fact they tend to work best alone, their data still has to somehow be relatable to the rest of the team.
Analysts are strategic and keep the big picture in mind. Yet they are the ones to analyse problems, evaluate ideas and make impartial and accurate judgments. Analysts look at all the options for the team, think carefully and evaluate the pros and cons.
Analysts make balanced decisions based on facts and rational thinking, as opposed to emotions and instincts. They are normally serious individuals who excel at critical thinking and strategic planning. If there is a challenge in a project, Analysts will carefully consider all angles and possibilities and then devise an insightful solution. The Analyst tends to know what is happening in the team. They examine whether people follow the rules and make sure production targets are met. They are adept at monitoring progress and help avoid mistakes.
Other Personas
Analysts value Directors, who deftly see the big picture, and enjoy collaborating with others who share their intellectual curiosity. They are best at analysing and evaluating ideas that other people (often Pioneers) come up with. They are shrewd and objective, and they carefully weigh the pros and cons of all the options before coming to a decision.
The different and competing priorities of innovative Pioneers and creative Brokers can frustrate the Analyst. In particular, Analysts may bristle at Pioneers, whose failure to generate objective, concrete plans rile Analyst sensibilities.
Analysts perform best when roles, responsibilities and processes are well defined within a business. This allows them to focus on their work, and support colleagues with other personality types by furnishing them with key insights about project performance.
Analysts appreciate that Directors are so driven to get the job done. They also enjoy collaborating with Achievers on solving problems.
Blind Spots
Analysts have a tendency to have tunnel vision. They can also lack inspiration and ideas, and become excessively cynical, dampening enthusiasm for anything without logical grounds. Analysts can be slow moving and can be prone to ‘analysis paralysis’.
Analysts can be perceived as less energetic, and on occasion detached and unemotional which means they sometimes have a hard time inspiring themselves or others to be passionate about their work. This can lead to them being poor motivators who react to events rather than instigating them. Their main pitfall though is their critical attitude with which they can quickly condemn new ideas and obstruct the decision-making process.
Analysts tend to be loners who prefer not to get involved in the lives of co-workers, which contributes to their objectivity. They are fearful of not being fully informed, and if rules and information fail they are likely to resort to e-mail rather than taking the initiative in a more personal way.
How to get the best out of Analysts
The Analyst must be encouraged to guard against impersonal and tedious procedures which can sometimes lead to missed opportunities. They must also be reminded not to be over critical of other team members and the impact excessive negativity can have on morale.
Analysts need to be coached to take care not to over-dominate team members and stifle their creativity. While they’re naturally inclined toward rigidity and structure, they will benefit from expanding their horizons by cultivating their intuitive and creative sides. In effect trying to match their capacity for high critical thinking with fair mindedness and receptivity to change.
