I’m sad to learn that Peter Falk has died. Peter Falk is most known as Lieutenant Columbo in the American television series Columbo, which has been shown all over the world including in my country when I was a teenager.
I think Columbo would have been a great data quality specialist too. Underestimated by the smart guys but focused on the important details while exercising the art of “howcatchem”. Opposite to his “whodunit” colleagues who are sitting on a horseback chasing the villains down a crowded city street or doing the same in a car while smashing most other cars on the way.
Liliendahl on Data Quality 
Very sad indeed. I have always thought that Columbo would make a great Business Analist, with his signature “Oh, just one more thing…”
Although I agree Columbo’s approach to crime solving was novel, some of his traits cause me pause; his car, a Peugeot 403 being one. I would expect that most people involved in any quality endeavor would apply those quality skills to their own purchases. Even its portrayal in the Columbo series highlighted the fact that the car was of questionable quality. Perhaps when selecting a candidate for work in quality and data quality, the interview questions should be; what kind of car do you drive? What criteria do you use when selecting products and services? These questions might be more reveling than; “are you fit for use”?
Columbo’s differences in his style are perhaps applicable to data quality; his persistence, attention to detail, a somewhat aloof attitude to pomp and circumstance and position and unconventional problem solving approach. He did not follow a “text book” crime solving or a 5 step process, nor did he rely on technology to a great extent. His crime solving techniques focused more on people and behaviors. This I suggest is something that perhaps we can learn from his acting.
Thanks Barry and Richard for adding in on Columbo’s way of doing things.
Richard, I guess that next to software brands there’s nothing like car brands that may enable a flaming discussion 🙂