Business Quote by Foster Provost
““The need for managers with data-analytic skills The consulting firm McKinsey and Company estimates that “there will be a shortage of talent necessary for organizations to take advantage of big data. By 2018, the United States alone could face a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 people with deep analytical skills as well as 1.5 million managers and analysts with the know-how to use the analysis of big data to make effective decisions.” (Manyika, 2011). Why 10 times as many managers and analysts than those with deep analytical skills? Surely data scientists aren’t so difficult to manage that they need 10 managers! The reason is that a business can get leverage from a data science team for making better decisions in multiple areas of the business. However, as McKinsey is pointing out, the managers in those areas need to understand the fundamentals of data science to effectively get that leverage.””
About This Quote
Source Report: McKinsey Global Institute, 2011
Organizations will lack enough skilled analysts, so managers must learn data fundamentals to leverage teams.
In simple terms: Managers need data basics to use analytics teams effectively.
Key Takeaway
Invest in data literacy for managers.
Themes
data analytics
skill shortage
management
big data
decision making
training
Mood
strategic
forward‑looking
Type
business
informational
When to use this quote
- Hiring strategies
- training programs
- cross‑functional collaboration
- career planning
Key Concepts
Talent pipeline
organizational leverage
skill development
Questions to Reflect On
- What data skills are essential for managers?
- How can companies bridge the analyst shortage?
A Different Perspective
Relying on managers alone won’t solve talent gaps.
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