If I were writing this 10 years back, I would be starting off with why data was important but we have come a long way in these last few years, haven't we? Proving its value now is like proving global warming. Sure, some oranges still won't believe it but who cares!
Its hilarious how people think of data now though. It is a crystal ball for most that simply reflects what they want to see. Its also interesting to note that while so many decisions are based on data only the successful ones are advertised so much that its becoming a cult, its religious with no doubts. Really?
Hand on heart, if for one second we tell the truth to ourselves, we will know that data has failed us more than it got us success. But why do we not talk about it? The power of data is not in helping us make the right decisions all the time, its about helping us make the right decisions faster than ever and ironically because we are failing faster than ever. That to me is the beauty of it!
Some practitioners would argue that applying advanced machine learning techniques would get you the right answers to your problems! Sure it would but is it really a reason for failing? More often than not the reason is interpretation. Of course, I am not talking about situations when numbers are wrong in the first place. You can bribe data so much that data speaks your language, it practically becomes your mom (always compromises to make you feel happy!).
If you really want to make smart decisions, never let data drive you, let it inform you so that you could make your own way!
Next time you take on a rank 1 player, as a sportsman, know strengths and weaknesses of the player and don't let the rank play on your mind!
Next time you work on an idea, as an entrepreneur, know the pros and cons of it and not let the past pre-decide your future!
Next time you work on a complex problem, as a problem solver, know the success rate of others solving it but not let it restrict your efforts.
As we move in the era of AI & VR, most decisions will be data driven and that scares me a bit! Enjoy while it lasts. Take risks, what has never happened before will never happen again if you don't fail at something new. Let data help you and not take the call for you!
Data would be much better off as a sidekick than a hero!
