Mind the Gap Analysis

I thought it was very thought provoking when I read this Wall Street Journal clip in my inbox recently.

“Gap Inc. yesterday announced that former Disney executive Paul Pressler and its board had mutually agreed that he should step down as CEO, as well as resign his seat on the board of the San Francisco-based apparel retailer. The company said it would seek a retail expert to lead it. Pressler's emphasis on consumer research was considered well intentioned, but a deluge of data on Gap customers, competitors and consumer-spending hampered designers' creativity, according to one former Gap executive.” Read the whole story...

How can having a deluge of data on customers, competitors and consumer spending be referred to as “well intentioned”?

Robert Fisher, chairman of Gap Inc.’s board of directors, said, "… Under his leadership (Paul Pressler), the company has meaningfully improved its operations, strengthened its balance sheet, greatly enhanced its on-line presence across the brand portfolio and improved its standing as a global corporate citizen.”

Paul Pressler had this to say: “Gap Inc. is a company with tremendous potential and I wish all the employees much success in the years ahead.”

Clearly, we’re not getting the whole story…

I guess the question for me, is how was the data being used?

Capturing, and therefore having the data is important, but not nearly as important as the data analysis, even more important, the ability to create action as a result.

Is this a case of too much research, or not enough action? Or am I just talking out my gap?