How can you present unpopular findings in a professional manner?

We need to tailor our message considering the experience of the audience. We need to discuss the complex issues using simple understandable terms and avoid using technical jargons when we have unspecialized audience technically. We need to take the benefit of data visualization softwares as Power BI to highlight the important details for the decision makers. We need to understand the audience’s needs to make sure we are answering the questions they have to take action (decision). Adding value is the key when sharing any information, we have to avoid overwhelming the audience unnecessarily.

Try using pictures like charts or graphs when you share your findings. These things will make it easier to understand complicated information and keep your audience interested.

Knowing your audience is definitely important, but it's also crucial to understand how to perceive your audience from the perspective that matters most to you. People are multifaceted, and it's not always obvious how they prefer to work and make decisions. Therefore, it might be beneficial not only to inquire with colleagues or business partners but also to delve into social media. For example, LinkedIn could be a useful resource.

1. Start with making sure the question is well understood by the audience 2. Identify what would be of their use - recommendations or facts or technical details 3. Share the findings as in as simplistic and clear way as possible - let that sync 4. Back up with multiple data sources to build credibility on why the finding is against popular/expected beliefs 5. Identify areas of impact and what may need a reconsideration of strategy, design, organization etc. basis the findings 6. Discuss and define course of action with clear accountability and next steps

Imagine discovering findings that may face reluctance from decision-makers. In presenting these unpopular results professionally, understanding your audience is key. Before decision-makers, assess their perspectives and sensitivities. Tailor your presentation to align with their values, framing findings in a context that resonates with their objectives. Instead of overwhelming with data, address potential objections proactively, showcasing a deep grasp of the intricacies. Craft a narrative that not only highlights challenges but also presents solutions. Keep language measured, tone empathetic, and emphasize collaboration over confrontation. By intimately knowing your audience,

I like the idea of the importance of choosing words. As someone for whom English is not a native language, this is one of the main challenges for me. If we are talking about being understood, sometimes basic knowledge is enough. However, when it comes to creating the right impression, a more serious approach is needed

When presenting controversial research in a professional manner, it's important to know your audience, frame the findings favorably, offer solid support for your conclusions, politely answer any criticism, and highlight the practical implications of your findings in order to encourage change. Understanding may be improved by clarifying complicated topics, utilizing visual aids, and adjusting communications to the needs of the target audience. Using terms like "opportunity" to frame findings in a positive light encourages an optimistic outlook. Being empathetic, anticipating criticism, and asking for input all contribute to transparency. Finally, emphasizing tangible advantages and offering precise advice inspires constructive action.

Present it in a constructive way. Give the background first, build the scenario and then come straight to the point. Validate the findings and give reason for both favorable and unfavorable.

It’s not just about framing the findings, it’s about providing solutions or a path forward towards a solution. Don’t just show up and use pretty language and talk around the problem, what are the next steps? Have a game plan, have 2 or 3 possible game plans in your back pocket. Ask questions, see if anyone has constructive insight that could lead to a quicker and better solution. Talk about how this will be used a a use case scenario for future up and coming teams to demonstrate how when faced with a problem that facing it head on and with team work things can and will be resolved. Nothing is ever ?? perfect and thing go wrong, embrace it and use it to teach and bring people together.

One thing I have found helpful is to watch the tone of communication, as in words used. The idea is to convey a message that something may have been done incorrectly, or a risk not identified, due to human error or insufficient configuration in systems. Using words that are easier for the intended recipient, constructively pointing out the issue (sometimes starting with acknowledging the good up to the point the problem started), will produce a better reception of the point. It will add value but maintain positive relationships. Avoid accusatory or condemning words. Also stand back after writing, to gauge how it may be perceived.

Be data driven, not opinion driven. Data should be presented in a clear and concise way ensuring it can not only be understood but also challenged if needed. This means that stakeholders have all had the ability to challenge the decision, understand it’s based on data and therefore will get behind it, even if it’s difficult

Evidence-based decision making should also be prioritised over opinions or assumptions. Yet, there are specific types of analysis (e.g., forecasts) that require some degree of “intuition”. It is important to have always a clear distinction of what is evidence-based, or data-driven, and what is speculation on the specific matter, or an assumption/informed guess based on experience.

Data driven messages beat opinion-based ones on every occasion, it is however capital not to flood the audience with too much data as it will definitely send their attention elsewhere

Remember the melody that Julie Andrews belted out in Mary Poppins? -"A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down,". In the professional world, this wisdom translates to presenting your findings, even the unpopular ones, in a way that resonates with your audience, leaving them informed and engaged, not resistant or defensive. Think of your findings as the "medicine"—potentially challenging to swallow for those expecting different results. So, how do we sprinkle that spoonful of "sugar"? Creativity comes to the rescue. Infuse your presentation with data-driven facts, captivating visuals, and compelling storytelling. But remember, even the sweetest candy can induce a stomach ache if overindulged. Balance is key.

Providing evidence when presenting unpopular findings lends credibility to your argument. It helps to support your stance with facts, data, or research, making your points more tangible and convincing. When presenting these findings in a popular manner, using clear, relatable language and visual aids where possible can make complex information more understandable and engaging. Essentially, combining evidence with accessible presentation techniques helps bridge the gap between unpopular findings and audience acceptance.

I like to display this already in the beginning of any presentation I do. People care about their own problems and they are constantly seeking ways to solve those. If you do this in the beginning you can hook them from start

Essa é a melhor parte, é a sua chance de brilhar. Vai algumas dicas: - Antecipe as Obje??es: Proativamente você deve identificar as possíveis obje??es que o público poderia ter em rela??o às descobertas apresentadas. - Reconhe?a a Validade das Perspectivas: Demonstre compreens?o e respeito pelas perspectivas do público, reconhecendo a validade de suas cren?as e opini?es. - Contra-argumentos e Alternativas as obje??es: Forne?a contra-argumentos fundamentados e apresente alternativas que enriquecessem a discuss?o. - Escuta ativa: Escute atentamente as respostas do público. E depois disso, mostre todos os benefícios das inova??es

One thing I would like to add is that we should Identify potential concerns or objections stakeholders may have and address them proactively. This shows foresight and transparency.

La respuesta a las dudas robustece mas las conclusiones, siempre deben fomentarse las aclaraciones y los acuerdos para lograr el convencimiento necesario de la toma de decisiones.

I like to think about objections simultaneously throughout the process of Analysis, and note them down as and when I find a new one. This increases the efficiency of your analysis, and better clarity to your audience.

As recently as this week, I told a colleague, "Try to think how something can work; don't always look for reasons it can't." It reminds me of the "Yes, And" creativity technique borrowed from improvisational theatre. The method involves firstly accepting any idea presented ("Yes") and then building upon it with additional thoughts or expansions ("And"). This approach fosters a collaborative and open environment, encouraging innovative thinking by valuing and expanding upon all contributions. You would like to have this mindset when presenting 'bad news'.

I've found a lot of benefits in breaking down "why this matters" when presenting unpopular findings. Don't just present the findings themselves, come prepped with a "this is why this data matters" in a straightforward manner, and break it down by bullet point on what actions are recommended and why that action matters too!

Whenever possible, accompany the findings with potential solutions or strategies to mitigate any negative impacts. This shows that you're not just a bearer of bad news but are also thinking ahead about how to handle the situation.

Seja respeitoso, normalmente a equipe está a ANOS fazendo do modo que você quer substituir, para isso use este roadmap: - Foque nos objetivos: Destaque os benefícios positivos das descobertas, mostrando como podem contribuir para atingir objetivos e melhorar situa??es. - Inspire o time: Procure inspirar e motivar a equipe, destacando como as descobertas representam uma ótima oportunidade de crescimento e melhoria. - Mostre o valor da inova??o: Enfatize o valor e a relevancia das descobertas, mostrando como elas podem beneficiar a todos; - Tenha uma comunica??o SEMPRE positiva e encoraje a equipe a engajar. E por último, agregue valor a qualidade de vida de todos os colaboradores, mostre CLARAMENTE a eles como pode melhorar.

Quantifying impact through measurable metrics,in terms of cost savings, efficiency gains, or improved performance, adds a layer of credibility to your proposal. Developing an actionable roadmap, prioritizing actions based on impact and feasibility, ensures a phased implementation process that stakeholders can easily follow. Providing necessary resources and support, such as training programs or technological enhancements, facilitates effective execution.? Establishing measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) allows for ongoing evaluation and progress tracking, reinforcing the positive impact Sharing success stories or case studies provides real-world examples that inspire confidence in the achievable benefits.

The key is transparency and impact/time management. Bad news must arrive quickly and accompanied as far as possible by an action plan to overcome the presented “opportunities.

Presenting unpopular findings professionally involves framing them objectively, providing context, and offering constructive solutions. Focus on data and evidence, emphasizing the importance of transparency. Use clear and respectful language, avoiding blame or judgment. Invite discussion, showing openness to alternative perspectives. By approaching unpopular findings with professionalism and a problem-solving mindset, you contribute to a constructive dialogue that encourages improvement rather than criticism.

Unpopular findings or controversial data are always useful. They provide grounds to develop lessons learned and innovative approaches for the future. If all data and information presented are positive there is no room for improvement. Share “bad” results!

No último projeto inovador em que trabalhei, aconteceu justamente isso, uma resistência grande por parte da equipe afetada. Mas seguindo o roadmap que fui tra?ando ao longo do caminho, tendo paciência e respeitos, fomos conquistando nosso lugar na equipe e conseguindo implantar TODAS as solu??es impopulares que foram pensadas. E uma dica extra é: N?O ACEITE OS EXEMPLOS DE FATOS QUE S?O EXCE??O, A SEREM TRATADOS COMO REGRA. Exemplo: Um sistema 100% na nuvem, v?o dizer: "Ahh mas ai quando cai a internet, ficamos sem trabalhar". Cair a internet é exce??o e n?o regra,a regra é que SEMPRE tem internet, em RAROS casos ela cai.

When sharing not-so-popular news, being quick and transparent is important. It’s better to share bad news straight up, along with some ideas on what we can do about it.