By now, I’m sure you’ve all heard of Oscar the Cat, the nursing home cat who, as the story goes, can predict when residents are going to die. Here is a link to the story. I have had some awkward stare-downs with cats this week as a result of learning about Oscar.

Anyway, all I have to say is that the first thing I thought of when learning about this feline forebearer of demise is that he has his counterparts in the business intelligence world. - specifically those consultants or employees whose mere presence on a project can signal its ruin. Sometimes I have to point out the Oscars and rarely, but occasionally, as a practice manager, my screening misfires and I end up with an Oscar on my team though, fortunately, it’s never been too late for the project.

The people on a project are extremely important to its success and generally not easy to find. I have been fortunate to surround myself with the best in the business.

We all know Oscars. Be careful not to be one or hire one!