#SEanalytics Mission Critical HR Analytics 2016 - part 1

I'm speaking today at Symposium's HR analytics conference.

I've been pleased that although several of the sessions have been focusing quite hard on data, conference chair Peter Reilly has already suggested we really need to focus on the question. This is what I'm going to be talking about later on.

I put the emphasis on data down to the prevalence of the analytics maturity curve, which one of the other presenters is using in their session (I had expected more to do so).

These are typically presented as an arrow moving from data and matrics through to forecasting and prediction, and often include a brick wall at some point to illustrate the tricky bit in the journey.

I advise against using them. Actually I don’t like any sort of maturity curve as I believe that each organisation needs to find its own path. And I particularly don’t like the analytics one because I think the three factors it’s build upon – technology, data and analytical tools, particularly the use of statistics, are the wrong things.

Also, although it is usually presented as an arrow it really involves a cycle - using better technology providing better data requiring better statistical analysis needing better technology etc etc. We've talked about some of this earlier on as well and I don't deny that the latest insights from machine learning and artificial intelligence are fantastic.

Actually one of the speakers suggested that automated personality tests were pretty terrible – I don't agree. This is my Twitter personality analysis from IBM Watson and I think those of you know know me will probably agree it's really very good. I just don't think it's the key approach in analytics.

Personality Profile*: @joningham

You are informal, somewhat inconsiderate and shrewd.

You are energetic: you enjoy a fast-paced, busy schedule with many activities. You are authority-challenging: you prefer to challenge authority and traditional values to help bring about positive changes. And you are philosophical: you are open to and intrigued by new ideas and love to explore them.

You are relatively unconcerned with both tradition and taking pleasure in life. You care more about making your own path than following what others have done. And you prefer activities with a purpose greater than just personal enjoyment.

*Compared to most people who participated in our surveys.

Data Behind Your Personality

Big Five

Openness 68% (± 5%)

Adventurousness 97% (± 4%)

Artistic interests 60% (± 9%)

Emotionality 26% (± 4%)

Imagination 65% (± 6%)

Intellect 98% (± 5%)

Authority-challenging 98% (± 7%)

Conscientiousness 25% (± 7%)

Achievement striving 87% (± 9%)

Cautiousness 57% (± 8%)

Dutifulness 35% (± 5%)

Orderliness 18% (± 6%)

Self-discipline 46% (± 4%)

Self-efficacy 91% (± 8%)

Extraversion 65% (± 5%)

Activity level 99% (± 7%)

Assertiveness 97% (± 7%)

Cheerfulness 28% (± 9%)

Excitement-seeking 57% (± 7%)

Outgoing 76% (± 7%)

Gregariousness 51% (± 5%)

Agreeableness 30% (± 9%)

Altruism 69% (± 6%)

Cooperation 54% (± 7%)

Modesty 2% (± 5%) - yeah OK, I suppose I am posting up my own Twitter personality!

 

Uncompromising 28% (± 6%)

Sympathy 75% (± 9%)

Trust 96% (± 5%)

Emotional range 21% (± 8%)

Fiery 32% (± 8%)

Prone to worry 34% (± 5%)

Melancholy 33% (± 5%)

Immoderation 17% (± 5%)

Self-consciousness 29% (± 5%)

Susceptible to stress 21% (± 8%)

Needs

 

Challenge 84% (± 8%)

Closeness 9% (± 7%)

Curiosity 70% (± 11%)

Excitement 12% (± 10%)

Harmony 18% (± 10%)

Ideal 33% (± 9%)

Liberty 32% (± 13%)

Love 54% (± 9%)

Practicality 47% (± 8%)

Self-expression 18% (± 7%)

Stability 4% (± 10%)

Structure 33% (± 7%)

Values

Conservation 6% (± 6%)

Openness to change 69% (± 6%)

Hedonism 10% (± 13%)

Self-enhancement 36% (± 9%)

Self-transcendence 23% (± 7%)