Although the acquisition and application of statis-tical skills is a necessary step in achieving success as a professional statistician, it is not sufficient. One also must develop the ability to influence customers, colleagues, managers, and subordinates. This can be especially problematic when those you are trying to influence are not statistically savvy and you must convince them of the merits of a particular statistical approach. Consider the targets of your influence. First, there are your customers-those people who need your statistical know-how to achieve their goals. It is by influencing them that they will adopt your methods and results; if your customer rejects either of these, then your success (on that project, at least) will be in jeopardy. Your boss is also a key target of your influence; by influencing her, you are more likely to receive choice assignments and career-advancing opportunities. If you supervise others, influencing them is key.
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