Comic Book Lessons in Analytics — The Riddler

What can be shared without being lost, but is often hoarded at any cost?

Although he is often taken lightly by many fans, the Riddler is one of Batman’s most complex and dangerous foes. Edward Nygma possesses one of the most intelligent minds in the DC universe, whether comic, cartoon, or television.

Edward Nygma. E Nygma. Mister E. So many permutations of a simple name.

The Riddler is not comic relief, with one notable exception (thanks to Frank Gorshin in the Batman ’66 TV series, which I thoroughly enjoyed). He is an extraordinarily intelligent villain who could probably enjoy great success without attracting much attention, if he would just stop leaving clues everywhere and, probably more importantly, move out of Batman’s territory.

But he won’t do either of these things. More to the point, he can’t.

By the way, the answer is knowledge.

What is found in the past, created in the present, and untouched by the future?

Edward Nygma did not start his adult life as a criminal. While DC has rewritten his past (along with everyone else’s) more than one, he always intended to pursue a career where his intelligence would be an asset. He has been written as a college professor, software tycoon, neuroscientist, and forensic scientist. I’m probably forgetting a few, but you get the point.

In each case, it wasn’t greed that led Nygma to crime. It was ego. Whether college students (and peers), fellow scientists, or the world at large, Edward felt that the world simply did not appreciate his genius. So, he set out to make sure it would recognize him, one way or another.

In addition to being extremely intelligent, the Riddler is genuinely and clinically insane. He was diagnosed at Arkham by Doctors Arkham and Quinzel with narcissism, severe anxiety, and primary OCD. Nygma is literally compelled to prove his superiority, and his complex schemes and constant leaving of clues are symptoms of his disorders.

Then Batman came along. The “World’s Greatest Detective”. Edward Nygma found a mind worthy of challenging him, and the Riddler was born.

Oh, it’s history. We were looking for history.

What is too much for one, enough for two, and nothing at all for three?

I doubt that you work with anyone quite like the Riddler, clinically insane to the point of being unable to function in society. But I bet that a few things sound familiar to you.

He has to be the smartest person in the room. And he needs everyone to know it. He doesn’t need anyone to say it out loud, as long as he is satisfied that they recognize his superior knowledge and intellect. If they are angry or jealous about it, all the better.

At the same time, he will constantly drop small hints, trying to get other people to ‘figure out’ answers he already knows or come to agree with statements he has made. Mostly, however, these hints are intended to remind everyone that he is smarter than they are and knows more than they do.

To maintain this presumed superiority, he is constantly researching both his work and any other subjects that might come up in meetings. He also assumes that others are doing the same. Not everyone, but at least some of the group.

This individual will not share information beyond the minimum necessary to contribute to a discussion, prove his own knowledge, make an impression (when there is someone he wants to impress), or prove someone else wrong.

He will only reveal his answer when all else has failed, everyone else has given up, and the group is frustrated enough to listen (or end the meeting). And the really frustrating part? He’s smart enough to get it right, most of the time.

Did you get this one? It’s a secret.

Imagine you’re in a dark room. How do you get out?

I haven’t really talked about analytics much at this point. So how does this information apply?

While I wouldn’t condone his actions, the Riddler has reasons for his behavior. He is obsessed with being the smartest person around, and he is equally obsessed with leaving hints that might allow others to prove him wrong.

These same issues make him a suitable opponent for Batman. Both are obsessed with patterns, clues, and puzzles. Both study and practice to be prepared for the inevitable competition when the next opportunity arises.

No one in your workplace has these excuses. Yet people still hoard information because it makes them feel valuable and necessary.

Obviously, this scenario is not limited to analytics.

There are people in every office and most project teams who will hoard information. And in an analytics project, there are two relevant domains to consider: the subject matter and the analytic expertise.

You will see people on both sides of the table trying to play the part of the Riddler, withholding knowledge until the last possible minute while dropping clues along the way just so they can point back later and claim that you should have listened to them in the first place.

If you don’t see these people at the table, stop and think. Make sure you’re not one of them. I’m not accusing you- I don’t know you- but it’s unusual to assemble a skilled and knowledgeable group without including a few egotists.

And how do you get out of the room? Stop imagining.

Sometimes, you just have to think laterally. I won’t always be here to help you.