The Power of "So What?"

Have you ever had a conversation that unexpectedly shifted your perspective?

I recently had one of those moments, and I can't wait to share it with you.

But first, let me ask you this:

When was the last time you really thought about why your work matters?

I had the privilege of speaking with Drew Anderson , an Applied Economist at Amazon and former Economist at RAND Corporation. Going into our chat, I was impressed by his background, yet even more intriguing was something he wrote that we got to talk about.

It resonated so deeply that it set me on an unexpected journey of curiosity and discovery.

What could be so powerful that it would change how I think about communication? - Well, it's just two words... Read this - to see if those two words jump at you:

"Results need to be communicated clearly, which requires knowing your audience, their context, and what answers they need. I've deep-dived to learn about student loans, organ donation, grocery stores, and more. And I've rewritten countless drafts to pull the 'so what' out of all the details." - Drew Anderson.        

That "so what" phrase really stuck with me.

It got me thinking:

How often do we get caught up in explaining what we do, without really conveying why it matters? Have you ever found yourself in that situation?

After a great chat, covering policy, research, and Drew's insights on how I can navigate career paths as someone curious and passionate about tech, policy, and national security, I couldn't shake that "so what" idea. It kept nagging at me, urging me to dig deeper.

So I did. Here is...

The "So What" Investigation

Why does investigating "so what" matter, you might ask?

Well, imagine you've just completed a project you've poured your heart and soul into. You're presenting your findings to a room full of decision-makers, and suddenly, someone asks,

"Okay, but so what?" - How would you respond?

This simple question has the power to make or break the impact of your work. It's the difference between your ideas gathering dust on a shelf and them changing the world.

Intrigued?

So was I...

The Discovery

As I delved deeper into this concept, I uncovered some fascinating insights.

To effectively communicate the "so what" of our work, we need to master a set of skills.

But before I reveal them, ask yourself:

How do I currently explain the importance of my work?

Think on it for a moment.

Now, ready to discover the keys to unlocking the power of "so what"?

Here they are:

1. Know Your Audience: Like Drew said, understanding who you're talking to is crucial. What do they care about? - What problems are they trying to solve?
2. Tell a Story: People remember stories better than facts. Can you frame your work as a journey or a solution to a problem? - What's the narrative behind your data?
3. Focus on Impact: Instead of listing tasks, highlight the changes your work creates. How does it make life better for someone? Can you paint a picture of the world after your work is implemented? - I think that is an empowering concept ??
4. Use Analogies: If your work is complex, can you compare it to something more familiar? What everyday example could help others understand your work?
5. Be Specific: Vague statements don't stick. Can you provide concrete examples or data points that illustrate your impact? What numbers or facts make your work come alive?
6. Invite Curiosity: End with a question or a thought-provoking statement that makes people want to learn more. What aspect of your work would surprise most people?

As I reflect on these strategies, I realize I'm still learning and exploring this concept. Each day brings new opportunities to refine how we communicate the value of my work.

Now, I'm curious about your experiences...

How do you communicate the "so what" of your work? What challenges have you faced?

Have you had a "so what" moment that changed your approach?

Let's learn from each other in the comments! After all, the journey of discovery is always richer when shared. Which idea from this concept resonates with you?

By Samuel Abinsinguza

Thank you Drew Anderson for your time and inspiration.

#CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #ValueProposition #Storytelling