How do you interpret and communicate SNA findings to different audiences and stakeholders?

1 Know your audience

The first step to communicate SNA findings effectively is to know your audience and tailor your message accordingly. Different stakeholders may have different interests, questions, and levels of familiarity with SNA concepts and methods. For example, a senior manager may want to see the big picture and the strategic implications of the network structure, while a technical expert may want to dig deeper into the details and the assumptions of the analysis. Therefore, you should consider the following aspects of your audience: their goals and needs, their prior knowledge and experience, their preferred format and style, and their potential feedback and questions.

2 Choose the right visualizations

The second step to communicate SNA findings effectively is to choose the right visualizations that convey the key insights and messages of your analysis. Visualizations are essential to show the network structure, characteristics, and patterns, as well as to highlight the differences and similarities among nodes, groups, and subnetworks. However, not all visualizations are equally suitable for different purposes and audiences. You should consider the following aspects of your visualizations: their clarity and simplicity, their accuracy and validity, their relevance and usefulness, and their aesthetics and appeal.

5 Use examples and analogies

The fifth step to communicate SNA findings effectively is to use examples and analogies that illustrate and clarify your points and messages. Examples and analogies are helpful to make your analysis more concrete and relatable, to show the real-world applications and implications of your findings, to address common questions and misconceptions, and to spark curiosity and interest. However, not all examples and analogies are equally appropriate and effective for different purposes and audiences. You should consider the following aspects of your examples and analogies: their accuracy and validity, their relevance and usefulness, their simplicity and familiarity, and their diversity and creativity.

6 Invite feedback and interaction

The sixth step to communicate SNA findings effectively is to invite feedback and interaction from your audience and stakeholders. Feedback and interaction are valuable to improve your analysis, to address gaps and issues, to validate and refine your findings, and to foster collaboration and learning. However, not all feedback and interaction are equally constructive and productive for different purposes and audiences. You should consider the following aspects of your feedback and interaction: their timing and frequency, their format and channel, their scope and focus, and their tone and attitude.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?