According to CEOs
surveyed in the 22nd / 2019 PwC Annual Global survey
, "Organisations are
struggling to translate a deluge of data into better decision
making".
Equally, employees
across the globe know that the multiplication of spreadsheets is strangling
their ability to provide the information that their organisation needs. At
the same time email-overload is killing their productivity.
Put simply, we have
too many spreadsheets, too many emails and not enough meaningful information.
I'd like to
introduce you to a concept which I believe is powerful antidote to those
trends- Welcome to infosuperstar.com!
What on earth is an
Information Superstar?
I wonder what you
think when you hear the word "Information" What about data? Let's assume for today (and only today) that they mean the same thing.
And what about
superstars? Who comes to mind? Is it a
sports star, a musician or singer? Is it a global icon with millions of
followers on Instagram?
But putting those
together? Isn't that a bit strange? I mean, information is, like, a bit
dull. And Superstars - they're like,
exciting and famous and glitzy, or just amazing people who I could never
compare myself with?
Well, maybe it is a
bit strange to out these together. But if I tell you little of my story you'll begin to understand.
During the best part of 30 years in business,
in a variety of finance and leadership roles. I've had a considerable amount of
connection with Information Technology and Commercial teams. I am a self-confessed spreadsheet addict but
I'd like to think that I've been successful at breaking the mould of a
traditional accountant and have been able to spread my skills outside of being
seen as a "bean counter".
I've seen a lot of
change, but I recognise that the world is perhaps changing faster than ever
before and I believe there is a critical need for many of the insights that I
have picked up. PwC seem to agree.
In no way claim to
know it all. But if I can work to
inspire a generation of business leaders, accounting, administration and finance professionals,
data analysts and technology specialists to a smarter way of going about their
jobs then I reckon both they are the organisations they work for will be more
successful and I will have more impact than I ever could do working in a single
business or charity.
So I've hatched a
plan to help equip people to be… information superstars!
I've got loads of
cool stuff planned to expand upon this. But for now, I’d like you to understand
that information superstars are amazing people with many facets.
- They are continuous
learners
. People who know that
there's loads more to know and they have a desire to be a better version
of themselves. They become more skilled, more
chilled and more productive as human beings!
- They are able to connect
measurement systems with strategy
.
They understand spreadsheets and technology systems, but they think
above the tech to understand what their organisations are really trying to
achieve
- They skilfully use data tools
appropriate to each challenge
. At
some point they' might have been labelled as a spreadsheet guru, but the
most important thing they know is when not to use a spreadsheet
.
- Information Superstars end up
having influence
beyond commercial, finance / accounting and technology
borders and become invaluable assets to both their organisations and their
colleagues / co-workers.
- Ultimately, what defines them
is not their technical skills that others admire them for, not the ability
to think big but the fact that they make life better for those around
them
.
- And of course the
big ticket visible item - They ultimately save their organisations huge amounts
of money and time.
So, to summarise,
An
information superstar is an individual who uses their natural gifts and
potential skills for data analysis and use of technology, who thinks and works
strategically to create and communicate useful information, and who ultimately
saves their organisations time and money to allow them to focus on mission: not
data, spreadsheets or email.
The entire package
and combination means they earn respect and trust, where the greatest accolade
is where someone says to them:
"Thanks for
doing that - you’re a real superstar!"
So what about you? Do you see yourself
as an information superstar?
I've created value
for many organisations in my career.
I've like you to do the same, and be more effective because you've
learned to recognise yourself as an information superstar!
I've got further
blogs and materials coming - to talk
about case studies, technical skills, personal effectiveness and a whole system
of thinking that I believe will help you rapidly acquire the wisdom and
knowledge that it took me years to learn.
So, if you like what
you've read / heard so far, then hang around. Sign up for my mailing list
and you'll be the first to know about the
materials I'm prepared. There's heaps of stuff to keep you inspired on your
journey to realise your full potential as an information superstar!
Please add comments
below so I know what you’re thinking!
