Vlog: Anatomy of a Data Project
Every data project I have worked on eventually runs into a major roadblock of one type or another. Something, someone, or some circumstance brings progress to a screeching halt.
A huge factor in predicting what happens next boils down to understanding and being mindful of the anatomy of a data project.
The easiest part of the data project to define is the What. It is often central focus of a pitch deck, the output, the deliverable… the something that can be seen, touched, or clicked on. For some teams, it is the cornerstone for the project.
But it shouldn’t be. Building your foundation on the What is a typical root cause for why projects fail. Before you focus on the What, you need to define and understand the Why. The Why is usually complex, it can contain multiple layers, and different team members, clients, or stakeholders may even prioritize different elements of the Why.
The Why gives purpose to the What. When you lose sight of the Why, if the Why changes, or if the Why is no longer relevant, the What can become meaningless, irrelevant, or worthless. When your team has a well defined Why that is reviewed and revisited on a regular basis, you are better prepared for adaptation and can pivot with agility.
Let the Why drive your What, but also be mindful of the third component of the Data Project Anatomy: the How. With your foundation secure, the How sets the environment for the quality of your build. When the How is not aligned with expectations, schedule, or budgets, the What of your project may cease to be viable. The How includes the size and skills of your team, the deadlines and milestones, the tech stack, and financial resources at your disposal. It can be the most fluid influence on your success, a two-way street that requires delicate balance and care to keep your What moving forward.
Successful data teams keep a focus on the Why and intentionally reflect on it throughout their project.
They manage their How, balancing competing tensions, and evaluate if it will deliver the What.
A functional team understands the interconnectedness of all three parts of the Anatomy of a Data Project. When the hard-times come, they are prepared to tackle whatever obstacle is in their way.
