WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL ALGORITHMS?

As data professionals, we’re trained to analyze algorithms in code, uncover patterns in datasets, and optimize processes for efficiency. But have you ever stopped to think about the algorithms running in your own mind—the unconscious patterns that drive your behavior, decisions, and interactions?

These personal algorithms, whether helpful or harmful, shape how we communicate, collaborate, and solve problems. Self-awareness, the ability to recognize and understand these patterns, isn’t just a “nice-to-have” skill—it’s a competitive edge.

In our fast-paced, technical world, where the stakes are high, and the need to communicate complex ideas is constant, self-awareness can transform your career. It helps you navigate challenges, build trust, and deliver insights that drive real impact.

Why Self-Awareness Matters in Data Analytics

Self-awareness is often underestimated, but the research tells a different story. According to Tasha Eurich, author of Insight, self-aware individuals are not only more confident and happier—they’re also more successful in their careers. Yet, only 15% of people are truly self-aware, despite 90% believing they are.

This gap has profound implications for data professionals. Here’s why self-awareness is crucial in the field:

1. Enhanced Communication Skills

• Data professionals often face a fundamental challenge: bridging the gap between technical insights and business decisions. Stakeholders don’t want jargon or raw numbers—they want clarity and actionable insights.
• Self-awareness allows you to adjust your communication style, recognize when you’re being overly technical, and adapt your messaging to your audience’s needs.

Example: During a presentation, a self-aware analyst might notice their audience looking confused and switch from detailed explanations to a high-level summary, ensuring the core message lands effectively.

2. Better Team Dynamics

• Teams thrive on collaboration, and collaboration thrives on trust. Self-aware professionals understand their emotional triggers and how their behavior impacts others. This awareness reduces unnecessary conflict and fosters stronger, more harmonious relationships.

Example: A data scientist who recognizes that they tend to interrupt during meetings can work on pausing and listening more actively, improving team communication and rapport.

3. Improved Decision-Making

• Even in data-driven roles, decisions can be influenced by emotions, cognitive biases, or preconceived notions. Self-awareness helps you identify and manage these influences, leading to more rational and objective decision-making.

Example: A self-aware leader preparing a report on revenue trends might notice their bias toward optimistic projections and double-check assumptions to ensure accuracy.

Building Self-Awareness: 3 Proven Strategies

Developing self-awareness isn’t something that happens overnight. It requires deliberate effort and consistent practice. Here are three strategies to help you uncover and optimize your personal algorithms:

1. Ask for Feedback

We all have blind spots—areas where our perception of ourselves doesn’t align with reality. Feedback from others is one of the most effective ways to uncover these blind spots and grow.

• Why It Works: Research by psychologist Timothy Smith shows that others often see us more accurately than we see ourselves. However, people are naturally hesitant to share feedback unless explicitly invited.
• How to Implement: Use the “Keep/Start/Stop” framework during feedback sessions: What should I keep doing? What should I start doing? What should I stop doing?

Practical Example: Imagine a colleague shares that your technical presentations often lose the audience because of excessive detail. This insight can guide you to simplify your messaging and focus on the “so what” for stakeholders.

2. Meditate

Meditation might sound like a far cry from data analytics, but it’s a powerful tool for improving focus, emotional regulation, and resilience. By practicing mindfulness, you can observe your thoughts and reactions without being ruled by them.

• Why It Works: Studies have shown that meditation enhances emotional intelligence and improves decision-making under pressure.
• How to Implement: Start with 5–10 minutes a day using guided meditation apps like Headspace or Calm. Over time, increase the duration and focus on becoming more present in your daily interactions.

Practical Example: During a high-stakes client presentation, a self-aware data professional might notice rising anxiety but use meditation techniques to remain calm and focused, ensuring their message is delivered effectively.

3. Keep a Journal

Journaling is like analyzing your behavior. Writing down and reflecting on your experiences can help you identify patterns, triggers, and areas for growth.

• Why It Works: Journaling allows you to step back, process emotions, and uncover patterns in your behavior. Over time, this practice can reveal insights about what drives your success and what holds you back.
• How to Implement: Try the Behavior-Impact Analysis exercise:Situation: What happened? Behavior: How did you react?Rational Impact: What was the outcome?Emotional Impact: How did it make you feel?

Practical Example: After journaling about a tense team meeting, you might realize that you tend to withdraw when challenged. This insight can help you develop strategies to remain engaged and assertive in future discussions.

Mapping Your Batman and Joker Algorithms

The chapter introduces a compelling metaphor to explore your strengths and weaknesses: Batman and Joker algorithms.

?? Batman Algorithms: These are your strengths—habits that consistently produce positive outcomes. For example, being naturally skilled at breaking down complex data into digestible insights for stakeholders.

?? Joker Algorithms: These are your weaknesses—patterns that sabotage your effectiveness. For instance, shutting down after receiving critical feedback or overloading presentations with unnecessary details.

Practical Exercise: Map Your Algorithms

1. Write down three Batman algorithms you rely on regularly. Example: Simplifying data visualizations to align with business goals.
2. Identify three Joker algorithms that hold you back. Example: Being overly defensive during feedback sessions.
3. For each Joker algorithm, write one actionable step to improve. Example: Practice active listening during feedback to understand constructive points instead of reacting emotionally.

Final Thoughts: The Competitive Edge of Self-Awareness

In a world where technical skills often take center stage, self-awareness is the hidden advantage that can set you apart. It’s not just about recognizing your strengths and weaknesses—it’s about proactively optimizing your behavior to connect, collaborate, and lead effectively.

As data professionals, we work to refine algorithms in our systems. Let’s also work on refining the algorithms that govern our behavior. By becoming more self-aware, we not only improve ourselves but also enhance the way we impact our teams, stakeholders, and the broader business ecosystem.

?? What’s one algorithm—Batman or Joker—that you’ve recognized in yourself? How are you working to optimize it?

#SelfAwareness #DataProfessionals #EmotionalIntelligence #SoftSkills #ProfessionalGrowth