How can you tell your problem-solving story with data?

1 Define the problem

The first step in telling your problem-solving story with data is to define the problem you are trying to solve. What is the situation, the context, and the scope of the problem? Why is it important to solve it? How does it affect you, your team, or your organization? You can use data to quantify the problem, show its impact, and establish a baseline for measuring your progress. For example, you can use charts, tables, or graphs to show the current performance, customer satisfaction, or revenue of a process or product that you want to improve.

3 Generate solutions

The third step is to generate solutions based on the data analysis. What are the possible options, alternatives, or recommendations to solve the problem? How did you evaluate, compare, and prioritize them? What are the pros and cons, risks and benefits, or costs and benefits of each solution? You can use data to justify your solutions, show their feasibility, and estimate their outcomes. For example, you can use scenarios, simulations, or projections to show the expected results, impacts, or trade-offs of each solution.

5 Learn and improve

The final step is to learn and improve from the solutions and their results. What are the lessons learned, best practices, or key takeaways from the problem-solving process? What are the challenges, gaps, or limitations encountered? How can you overcome them, address them, or prevent them in the future? What are the next steps, actions, or goals to further improve the situation? You can use data to reflect on your learning, show your improvement, and plan for your future. For example, you can use surveys, evaluations, or reviews to show the feedback, satisfaction, or recognition of your problem-solving skills.

Telling your problem-solving story with data is a powerful way to demonstrate your value, showcase your skills, and influence your audience. By using a simple framework, you can structure your narrative, highlight your insights, and persuade your audience with data. You can apply this framework to any problem-solving situation, whether it is a case study, a project report, a presentation, or a job interview. Remember to tailor your story to your audience, context, and purpose, and to use clear, concise, and compelling language and visuals.

6 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?