Lights. Data. Action!

In the ever evolving landscape of data-informed decision making, the true value of data lies not in its collection but in its application. I've had a number of conversations lately about moving beyond mere data collection to actionable insights, because ultimately, the purpose of collecting data is not just to have it but to act on it, right? This perspective is especially relevant as organisations and educational institutions grapple with new data metrics and compliance requirements, where we are gathering record amounts of data than ever before.

My own experience as a former teacher highlights this shift. Following a significant change in Australian educational data metrics, where standardised testing has moved from bands to proficiency scales, I recently put together a webinar showcasing ten actionable strategies for leveraging this new data set. The webinar was one of the mostly highly attended I've ever hosted, and underscored a pressing need: people want clear strategies for how to act on the data in order to drive real outcomes.

However, a common pitfall in data management is viewing data collection as a mere compliance exercise. Take my example of standardised assessments in Australian schools, which are mandatory but offer schools discretion in how the data is utilised. Schools must navigate the challenge of transforming data from a compliance obligation into a resource for improvement.

It's here that I advocate for a mindset shift from compliance to opportunity. Yes, the collection of that data may be a necessity, and you may not agree with the collection methods or the way it's publicised, but by embracing pluralistic thinking, you can simultaneously critique data collection methods while also exploring the positive potential inherent in the data. What are the good news stories we can take from that data? How can we leverage the data we already have (and have to collect) to produce a positive outcome? This dual perspective allows for more innovative and effective uses of data, turning perceived constraints into avenues for growth.

Drawing from my own practice, I've discovered a number of practical strategies for transforming data into actionable insights. For instance, Xero’s budget variance report was previously a tool unfamiliar to me, but all the data I needed to use it was already sitting in Xero untapped. Once I got some training on how to use it, and understanding of what could be possible with it, I was able to leverage these 'new' (to me) reports to impact parts of my business management. It's here that I really can't overstate the the importance of training and understanding the full potential of data tools - YouTube tutorials can really be your friend in this space.

Finally, when it comes to time to act on the data, the role of collaboration is vital in making the most of data insights. Once I had the budget variance report, I was able to engage with my team members to brainstorm and implement data informed strategies which uncovered innovative solutions. We focussed on another key takeaway, which is incremental improvement. By focusing on small, manageable changes, we uncovered in our collaborative brainstorm that the cost of postage offered on books sold on our website was being outstripped by the actual Australia Post costs we were incurring. A simple change to align these two costs was something the data highlighted was necessary and could prove beneficial. This small change was one of many we were able to make that all add up to meaningful impact on the business bottom line. We are also now setting quarterly reviews to assess and adjust these strategies as a practical method for maintaining momentum and ensuring ongoing relevance of the changes we've made.

So to sum up, in order to effectively act on data, I suggest a three-step approach:

1. Shift Mindset: Move from viewing data as a compliance task to seeing it as a valuable resource.
2. Learn and Understand: Familiarise yourself with the metrics and tools available, as well as strategies for using them. Online resources, such as YouTube tutorials, can be invaluable in this regard.
3. Implement Actions: Translate insights into tangible actions. My own adjustment of postage rates exemplifies how small, data-informed changes can lead to meaningful improvements.

As organisations and individuals alike navigate the complexities of a world increasingly dominated by data, adopting these principles can lead to more strategic decision-making and tangible improvements for your business.

This newsletter started as a podcast; if you'd like to listen to this episode and/or follow the podcast, check it out here .

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I am a data storyteller and grounded researcher, and I help organisations use their data more effectively and help them tell great data stories. If you'd like a hand with data storytelling or strategy, I'd love to chat with you.

Keynote speaker | Author | Facilitator