Database Reference
In-Depth Information
with three people and integrating the product recommender into a legacy
corporate system. Although this may be a valid approach, it is important to test
the assumptions and develop a clear understanding of the problem. The data
science team typically may have a more objective understanding of the problem
set than the stakeholders, who may be suggesting solutions to a given problem.
Therefore, the team can probe deeper into the context and domain to clearly define
the problem and propose possible paths from the problem to a desired outcome.
In essence, the data science team can take a more objective approach, as the
stakeholders may have developed biases over time, based on their experience. Also,
what may have been true in the past may no longer be a valid working assumption.
One possible way to circumvent this issue is for the project sponsor to focus on
clearly defining the requirements, while the other members of the data science
team focus on the methods needed to achieve the goals.
When interviewing the main stakeholders, the team needs to take time to
thoroughly interview the project sponsor, who tends to be the one funding the
project or providing the high-level requirements. This person understands the
problem and usually has an idea of a potential working solution. It is critical
to thoroughly understand the sponsor's perspective to guide the team in getting
started on the project. Here are some tips for interviewing project sponsors:
• Prepare for the interview; draft questions, and review with colleagues.
• Use open-ended questions; avoid asking leading questions.
• Probe for details and pose follow-up questions.
• Avoid filling every silence in the conversation; give the other person time
to think.
• Let the sponsors express their ideas and ask clarifying questions, such as
“Why? Is that correct? Is this idea on target? Is there anything else?”
• Use active listening techniques; repeat back what was heard to make sure
the team heard it correctly, or reframe what was said.
• Try to avoid expressing the team's opinions, which can introduce bias;
instead, focus on listening.
• Be mindful of the body language of the interviewers and stakeholders; use
eye contact where appropriate, and be attentive.
• Minimize distractions.
• Document what the team heard, and review it with the sponsors.
