Five Tips to Make Your Data Stick!
Have you ever presented the results of an analysis you conducted only to find that no one actually did anything with the data? If so, you are not alone. It is not uncommon for someone to spend a significant amount of time, effort, and mental energy running analyses and presenting results that never lead to any sort of action. Not only is this frustrating to the person who expended the effort, but also draining to the organization that paid for the time and tools required to conduct the analyses. In this post, I provide five tips that can help make your data stick so that it will drive action. Your data should be…
Keep in mind that while you may be interested in understanding every data element examined and statistical analysis conducted, that does not mean your audience will be.
Relevant – Find the overlap between the information you want to share, and the information your audience will be interested in hearing. Keep in mind that while you may be interested in understanding every data element examined and statistical analysis conducted, that does not mean your audience will be. Make sure that you have the right timing, delivery method, and level of detail for your audience. This will ensure they stay engaged throughout the discussion.
Accurate – Maintain accuracy at every step of your analysis process. This includes collecting the right data, storing the data securely, conducting thorough analyses, interpreting insights correctly, and making appropriate recommendations. A slip up, real or perceived, at any stage can lead the audience to question your findings and throw out your recommendations entirely.
Memorable – Make your results memorable by moving past basic facts, figures, and tables. Use data visualization, images, stories, or quotes to add richness to your quantitative data. While anecdotal evidence is often not reliable, it can be used to make numbers more memorable. Think outside the box when delivering information. Although it may take more time than sending a report, it will be worth it when it leads to positive results.
Actionable – Tell your audience what you want them to think, feel, and do based on your findings. Although you may not always be the subject matter expert when it comes to the data you analyze, you are the subject matter expert for data analysis and interpretation. Use that expertise to identify key insights and optimal recommendations. Not providing recommendations could equate to no action or unsuitable actions based on incorrect interpretations.
Monitored – Don’t disappear after you deliver insights and recommendations. Instead, stay connected, be supportive, and help make the action happen. This will also ensure you can evaluate the effectiveness of the action, and potentially measure the impact or ROI of your recommendations.
I hope this post helps you make your data stick. If you find yourself in need of additional support, feel free to reach out!
