I work in the analytics function of a company, which has just started. The sales team until now were making their own reports from their data. Having some experience in the analytics domain I have a good command over the tools and a relatively better understanding of things.
Recently, people have been coming to me to get their stuff done. After I send them their reports, most people start asking me how I did what I did and I have to explain to them my techniques and quick hacks. I am worried that I might be "revealing my trade secrets" and once they start understanding everything, they perhaps won't be needing me anymore. I will probably just become an unnecessary cost for the company with no value addition.
I am not saying what I do is rocket science but it honestly took some effort to gain whatever I know, and most of it, was not taught to me by anyone. I want to tell them to not ask me about my work, and if they want, I'd be happy to do their work for them.
How do I navigate this situation? What is the right way to let people subtly know that I won't be revealing how I am doing my work? Is this even the right thinking or am I just being silly? I am just an employee (1 of the millions) in the company (an associate), not even in the middle management, so it's not like I am a highly valuable asset in the company.
What do I tell any person if they ask me how I did whatever I did?
Edit: Like someone said, this question is related but not a duplicate. I think it has very useful insights
Competitive Advantage
and notTrade Secrets
. But this is moot if you all work for the same company. – Peter M Aug 7 '18 at 18:29