The hosts dive into their favorite analytics tips with playful banter and camaraderie. They discuss the art of effective stakeholder communication and the balance of traditional and modern data visualization tools. Emphasis is placed on the importance of documentation and collaboration to boost accountability. Empathy and constructive feedback take center stage in data presentations. They also share personal anecdotes about negotiation strategies and sprinkle in some fun cultural references, including a nod to 'The Mandalorian'.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Active listening enhances analyst-stakeholder interactions by prioritizing clarifying questions over immediate solutions, leading to better understanding of core issues.
The shift from spreadsheet reliance to advanced BI tools signifies a transformation in data analysis, emphasizing efficiency in data visualization and reporting.
Adopting the 'data pixel ratio' principle in data visualization improves clarity and readability by minimizing non-essential elements in graphical presentations.
Deep dives
Improving Stakeholder Engagement
Active listening is a crucial skill for analysts striving to enhance their interactions with stakeholders. By focusing solely on asking clarifying questions and avoiding immediate solutions during meetings, analysts can gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. This technique not only improves listening skills but also prevents premature advice that may not address the core problems. The approach allows for reflection and the crafting of more targeted responses afterward, ultimately leading to more effective communication and outcomes.
The Evolving Role of Spreadsheets
Although spreadsheets remain a common tool in data analysis, there is a growing sentiment against over-reliance on them. Modern analytical practices suggest using advanced tools like BI software to facilitate data visualization and reporting, which can be more efficient than traditional spreadsheet methods. Many analysts are now using spreadsheets primarily for organizing lists rather than conducting complex data analysis. This shift indicates that while spreadsheets have their place, they're not the panacea they were once thought to be.
Maximizing Data Visualization
A pivotal concept in data visualization is the 'data pixel ratio,' which emphasizes the importance of using screen space efficiently to convey data effectively. The idea is to minimize extraneous elements that do not represent data, thereby enhancing clarity and readability. By adopting this principle, analysts can create visuals that communicate insights more powerfully without unnecessary clutter. Techniques such as adjusting text sizes and colors help draw focus to the most important metrics, making analysis more impactful.
Tracking Analytics Requests
Maintaining a record of analytics requests is essential for identifying workload patterns and enhancing efficiency. This practice enables analysts to keep track of the origin of requests, allowing for proactive communication with stakeholders regarding delays or duplicative analysis. By organizing requests using project management tools like Jira or Trello, analysts can avoid confusion and ensure that critical analysis is not overlooked. Such documentation becomes especially valuable when analysts transition in and out of organizations, preserving institutional knowledge.
Embracing Automation for Efficiency
Automation is a powerful strategy for analysts to free up time for more in-depth analysis by streamlining repetitive tasks. By automating processes, analysts can significantly reduce the time spent on mundane calculations and data reporting. However, it's crucial that automation is not overtly shared with stakeholders, as this might lead to misunderstandings about the time and resources spent on analyses. Embracing automation involves a balance between efficiency and transparency, ultimately allowing analysts to focus on delivering insightful recommendations.
"QA and patience and reviews by a peer. Data viz testing, hold no chart too dear. Don’t be an asshole; automate 'til it stings. These are a few of our favorite things!" With apologies to Julie Andrews, on this episode, Moe, Tim, and Michael shared some of the tactical tips and techniques that they have found themselves putting to use on a regular basis in their analytics work. The resulting show: multiple tips, minimal disagreements, and moderate laughter. For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode