Today, I want to share something deeply personal — the real signs I’ve seen over the years that truly separate great data analysts from those who just… exist in the role.
This post isn’t based on theory or some generic list. It’s based on real experience. And while writing it, I couldn’t help but think of one of the best analysts I’ve worked with at Mercedes-Benz — Michael Plaz. Shoutout to you 👊
1. 🧠 Mindset: Start With "Why"
Bad Analyst: Jumps straight into the data. Pulls charts, finds patterns — without understanding the actual problem.
Good Analyst: Starts by asking, “Why are we even doing this?” They want clarity before action.
🎯 Great analysts don’t start with data — they start with purpose.
2. 🤔 Independent Thinking
Bad Analyst: Waits for tickets. Tasks. Instructions. Only acts when told.
Good Analyst: Spots problems early. Brings new ideas. Asks questions no one else is asking.
🧩 Great analysts don’t wait for direction — they think like owners.
3. 🛠️ Tool Obsession
Bad Analyst: Spends hours arguing Power BI vs Tableau. Obsessing over the tech.
Good Analyst: Focuses on outcomes. Chooses the tool that solves the problem fastest.
🧠 No one remembers the tool — they remember the solution.
4. 🧑💼 Collaboration with Business Teams
Bad Analyst: Builds dashboards in a bubble. Sends reports. Never follows up.
Good Analyst: Works with stakeholders. Understands the process. Co-creates. Asks, listens, refines.
🤝 The best insights don’t come from dashboards — they come from conversations.
5. 📊 Focus on Outcomes, Not Volume
Bad Analyst: Builds 100 dashboards. No one looks at them.
Good Analyst: Builds 5 dashboards. Everyone uses them. Every week.
🚀 Real value lies in usefulness, not quantity.
6. 📖 Storytelling with Data
Bad Analyst: Shares raw charts. Talks about filters and clicks.
Good Analyst: Tells a story. A clear beginning, turning point, and a strong takeaway.
🎬 The best dashboards feel like a short film — not a report.
7. 🧠 Challenging Bias
Bad Analyst: Seeks confirmation. Cherry-picks data. Rushes to conclusions.
Good Analyst: Challenges assumptions. Accepts discomfort. Lets the data lead the way.
🧪 Your job isn’t to be right — it’s to be honest.
8. 🔧 Response When Things Go Wrong
Bad Analyst: Blames the tool. Or the data. Or the users.
Good Analyst: Stays calm. Investigates. Fixes the root cause. Learns.
🛡️ Great analysts don’t protect their ego — they protect the truth.
9. 🧍 Gut Feeling vs Data
Bad Analyst: Uses gut feelings when the answer gets hard.
Good Analyst: Builds a case. Lets evidence drive decisions — even if it’s uncomfortable.
🎯 If you’re leading with feelings, you’re not doing analytics — you’re doing guesswork.
10. 📈 Choosing the Right Visuals
Bad Analyst: Chooses charts that “look cool”. Focuses on design.
Good Analyst: Chooses visuals that answer the exact question being asked.
🖼️ A great chart doesn’t just match the theme — it matches the purpose.
💬 Final Thoughts
Being a great analyst isn’t about the number of dashboards you build. It’s not about how flashy your visualizations are. And it’s not even about how many tools you’ve mastered.
It’s about how you think.
How you solve real problems.
How you help people make better decisions with clarity, honesty, and care.
🔁 My Personal Analyst Code (Feel Free to Adopt It)
✅ I start with “why”, not just the data
✅ I focus on the real problem, not just output
✅ I think like an owner, not a task-taker
✅ I prioritize outcomes, not effort
✅ I tell stories, not just reports
✅ I question my own assumptions
✅ I build with users, not just for them
✅ I always follow up to ensure my work gets used
✅ I fix the root cause, not blame the tool
✅ I let data speak louder than my gut
✅ I choose visuals that clarify, not decorate
✅ I keep learning — tools, communication, and thinking
✅ I protect the truth, not my ego
👉 Want to become a great analyst?
It starts with how you think — not with a dashboard, but with curiosity, ownership, and empathy.
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