#93 - Insights from the Google Model for Analyst Teams for Enhancing Team Effectiveness
Lisema Matsietsi CDFA, PD(SA), M.Inst.D, MCom
Professional Board Member || Author || IT Business Strategy || Founder & Managing Director: Being An Analyst || Chartered Development Finance Analyst ||
Words of Gratitude
Editors Note by Lisema Matsietsi
We've all heard the quote often attributed to Aristotle, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." The Google Model offers a powerful framework for improving team effectiveness, especially for analyst teams. By focusing on psychological safety, dependability, structure and clarity, meaningful work, and impact, team leaders can create a supportive and productive environment. While implementing this model may require a significant investment of time and resources, the potential benefits in terms of improved performance and team cohesion are well worth the effort. By assessing your team, identifying areas for improvement, developing and implementing an action plan, and continuously monitoring progress, you can utilise the strengths of the Google Model to build a high-performing analyst team. Whether you are addressing underperformance or aiming to enhance overall effectiveness, the principles of the Google Model provide valuable guidance for creating a more engaged and effective team. Let us meet again this coming Monday for another exiting newsletter
Insights from the Google Model for Analyst Teams for Enhancing Team Effectiveness
We've all heard the quote often attributed to Aristotle "The whole is better than the sum of its parts." This quote is a reminder of the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals. Whether you're a new analyst or an experienced professional, knowing how to improve team effectiveness can greatly impact your results. One of the most valuable frameworks for building effective teams is based on Google's extensive research, known as the Google Model. This article will delve into how you can use this model to enhance the performance of your analyst team, tackle common challenges, and provide actionable steps to get started.
The History and Origin of the Google Model
Google's journey into understanding team dynamics began with Project Oxygen, which aimed to identify the traits of great managers. Building on the success of this project, Google initiated Project Aristotle to discover the characteristics of effective teams. After Aristotle’s famous quote, Project Aristotle sought to answer the question: “What makes a team effective?”... Read More
References
DIGITAL SKILLS FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN AFRICA
Digitalisation and technological advancements are changing the world of work and the types of skills needed for employment. Across Africa, digital skills are becoming increasingly important, with an estimated 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) alone needing digital skills by the end of the decade. However, skills deficiencies and a lack of basic digital skills needed to use technology to solve real-life problems, key for life-long learning in the digital world and higher-level digital skills development in the future, are failing to be equitably accessed. This is particularly rife among the less well-educated, marginalised groups, people in rural areas, and those who are vulnerably employed. Women and girls face additional barriers to digital skills, with root causes stemming from the triple burden of the digital, rural, and gender divide. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these burdens by deepening pre-existing interlinked inequalities and amplifying social exclusion... Download Full Report
Q&A - Digital Skills For Youth
Friday, Jul 12 · 11:30 am – 12:30 pm (SAST)
Time zone: Africa/Johannesburg
Are you Working From Home or Remotely?
As analysts, we can customise our work environments to fit our preferences, which fosters a sense of autonomy and independence. Additionally, the expansion of access to a global talent pool allows organisations to recruit top talent without the limitations of geography. In essence, remote and hybrid work models enable analysts to structure their workdays more effectively, mitigate burnout, and promote a healthier balance between work and life, enhancing their overall well-being and job satisfaction.
Here are some resources you could use to search for your next analyst job.
Senior Business Analyst
Work closely with internal stakeholders and customers to identify, validate, and document new system requests. Oversee proper implementation by providing acceptance criteria and act as a liaison between business users and developers. Be an integral part of our dynamic agile team, become an expert with our innovative product, and contribute to the product's vision. Experience as a Business Analyst in an Agile development team environment is required. Candidates should have a background in at least one domain: Insurance or Digital e-commerce. The team prefers to hire people from e-commerce and teach them insurance.
Senior Data Engineer
On an Equal Experts project, you’ll use your proven expertise to: work with your team to determine customers’ data processing and access needs, then recommend the best solutions; create and support highly available data pipelines and storage solutions, including data warehouses; deliver software using modern agile technical practices, including CI/CD, TDD, and XP; stand up analytics clusters; automate data infrastructure and deployments; advocate agile practices to the customer’s organisation; mentor the customer’s team; and improve their data capabilities.
Know the Difference: SQL (Structured Query Language) and NoSQL (Not Only SQL)
Many people would love to get into data analysis but still battle with differentiating between different types of databases. If you are one of these analysts or you know one, then this article will be insightful. This is because SQL (Structured Query Language) and NoSQL (Not Only SQL) are two contrasting approaches to database management, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. I believe that knowing much more about each will make us choose better to improve our analysis. Here’s a comparison of the two using (1) Data Model, (2) Schema, (3) Query language, (4) Data Relationships, (5) Scalability, (6) Consistency and ACID, and (7) Use Cases... Read More
Leveraging Business Intelligence for Competitive Advantage in the Dynamic IT Landscape
In the fast-paced world of Information Technology (IT), organisations must stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge. As the landscape continues to evolve and operating environments become more challenging, Business Intelligence (BI) has emerged as a strategic imperative. By utilising BI tools and methodologies, organisations can not only navigate complex analyses but also gain a significant advantage in the market. Let’s explore how BI serves as a potent weapon for organisations in the IT sector to thrive amidst the ever-changing terrain of analysis and tough operating environments... Read More
How to get Project Management Right
This episode offers a wealth of insights for anyone involved in project management, whether they're new to the field or looking to refine their skills. Hearing from someone who has recently transitioned into project management and faced common challenges can be incredibly relatable and helpful. Plus, getting tips from an experienced project manager like Tamara McLemore on motivating teams, effective communication, and problem-solving is invaluable.
The focus on essential tools like a project charter and work breakdown structure, along with the breakdown of project phases, provides practical guidance that can be applied to any project. The topics of leadership, team motivation, agile methodologies, and collaboration are crucial for successful project management. Is there a specific aspect of project management you're particularly interested in or a challenge you're currently facing?
领英推荐
Are You Suggesting Project-Based Work in Your Organisation? Here is Why This Fails and How To Get It Right
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez is a renowned expert in project management and strategy implementation. He has extensively studied why many projects fail and emphasises that a significant part of the problem is due to executives not fully understanding project fundamentals and not dedicating enough time to the projects they sponsor. In his discussions, Nieto-Rodriguez offers insights on achieving better outcomes from project-based work by properly framing projects, structuring organizations around them, and avoiding common pitfalls. Key topics he covers include strategy, project management, operations strategy, and organisational change.
Responsible AI?
Ranjan Sinha's insights on responsible AI and data governance are incredibly relevant in today's tech landscape. The focus on end-to-end lifecycle tracking, automated processes, and scalability is crucial for building trust and confidence in AI systems. Did any particular challenge or approach he mentioned stand out to you?
How Data, AI, and Action Replace Lights, Camera Action
As a CDO, I think you have to figure out how to grab onto that, take ownership of it, and provide the leadership that your company needs - if you don't, then of course someone else will.??All of the challenges come on the non-technical side. Being successful in these programs is about more humanistic type skills than it is about being a wizard in the technology space, in my opinion.
Chris Stephens, Field CTO at Appen, dives into how CDOs are navigating the world of generative AI. From setting clear expectations to driving adoption within organisations, Chris and Cindi explore the challenges and opportunities in this evolving landscape. Chris shares Appen's innovative approach to integrating humans into deep learning processes and discusses the potential of synthetic data. Plus, he shares how crucial human expertise is, in shaping ethical AI practices and touches on the impact of legislation and industry trends on AI's future.
Key Moments:?
? The Impact of generative AI on CDOs?
? Appen and the excitement of generative AI
? The potential of synthetic data and content curation
? The importance of CDOs embracing generative AI
? The early stage of generative AI and funding innovation
? The importance of humans in the loop
? The role of legislation and industry leadership
Is it Time To Cut The Budget?
Investec’s Global Investment Strategy Group has increased South Africa’s risk score while maintaining a negative offshore stance. Join Chris Holdsworth, our Chief Investment Strategist, as he explains the rationale behind this positioning and shares his expectations of upside surprises in economic growth and earnings for SA Inc shares. Listen to the latest episode of Investec’s No Ordinary Wednesday podcast.
Podcast key moments
In this episode, we delve into the exciting world of data science in South Africa, exploring six standout companies and startups making waves in 2024. Join us as we uncover the innovative work of Omnisient, Zindi, Melio AI, Korwe Software, Eden AI ZA, and Argility Technology Group. These organizations are pioneering advancements in data privacy, AI, machine learning operations, and more, each contributing uniquely to the data science ecosystem in Africa and beyond.
Discover how Omnisient is promoting financial inclusion through privacy-preserving data collaboration, and how Zindi is building a vibrant community of data scientists across the continent. Learn about Melio AI's focus on operationalizing data science projects and Korwe Software's commitment to providing just the right information through its sophisticated data solutions. We also highlight Eden AI ZA's dedication to enhancing AI project success rates and Argility Technology Group's mission to lead in digital commerce and supply chain management software. Tune in to get inspired by the transformative potential of data science in South Africa!
How Can I Help Grow This Community?
We have been asked this question frequently by most patrons who see the work that we do and appreciate the time and effort invested so that you can be inspired to be an excellent expert analyst. There are many ways to help us grow into an effective organisation that develops expert analysts
Connect with Us by: