

Helping Stakeholders Help Themselves
Jul 17, 2025
Bill Shander, a data communication expert and founder of Beehive Media, shares insights from his extensive experience with organizations like the UN and World Bank. He emphasizes the art of asking the right questions to uncover genuine stakeholder needs, rather than merely responding to requests. Bill also discusses the vital role of storytelling in data presentation, the significance of silence in communication, and how hybrid work impacts stakeholder engagement. His recommendations can help elevate trust and improve organizational communication strategies.
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Data Storytelling Importance
- Data communication is about telling stories with data, not just showing numbers.
- Effective visual storytelling makes complex data clear and meaningful to stakeholders.
Use Questions to Guide Stakeholders
- Ask stakeholders how success will be measured to move beyond just fulfilling requests.
- Use questions to guide them toward better solutions rather than blindly executing tasks.
Listen to Understand Fully
- Listen with your ears, not your brain, to truly hear stakeholders without immediately planning your next response.
- Aim to minimize interruptions and fully absorb what is being said for better understanding.