Harnessing the Power of “What, So What, Now What” in Data Storytelling

In today’s data-driven world, effectively communicating insights is crucial for driving informed decision-making. By combining the “What, So What, Now What” reflective model with data storytelling techniques, we can create compelling narratives that not only present findings but also inspire action. Let’s explore how to leverage this approach to organize recommendations from problem-solving or gap assessments.

The “What, So What, Now What” Framework

The “What, So What, Now What” model, originally developed by Terry Borton in the 1970s, provides a simple yet powerful structure for reflection and analysis.

What?

This stage focuses on objectively describing the situation or problem at hand. In data storytelling, this is where we present the raw facts and figures without interpretation. Frame the problem and provide the data.

So What?

Here, we analyze the implications of our data. This is the stage where we extract meaning from the numbers and identify patterns or trends. We provide the root cause analysis.

Now What?

Finally, we determine the next steps based on our analysis. This is where we formulate actionable recommendations and outline a path forward.

Integrating Data Storytelling

To effectively utilize this framework in data storytelling, we need to consider three key elements: data, visuals, and narrative. Let’s break down how to incorporate these elements into each stage of our “What, So What, Now What” approach.

What? – Setting the Scene

Present the Data: Start by clearly presenting the relevant data points. Use simple, easy-to-understand visualizations to highlight key metrics.
Provide Context: Explain the background of the situation or problem. What led to this analysis? What were the initial goals or expectations?
Engage the Audience: Use narrative techniques to draw your audience in. For example, you might start with a provocative question or a surprising statistic to capture attention.

So What? – Analyzing the Implications

Identify Patterns and Trends: Use more complex visualizations to illustrate relationships within the data. Consider using interactive elements to allow your audience to explore the data themselves.
Compare to Benchmarks: Put your findings in context by comparing them to regulations, industry standards or historical performance.
Highlight Key Insights: Use narrative techniques to guide your audience through your analysis. Emphasize the most important findings and explain their significance.

Now What? – Formulating Recommendations

Present Clear Action Items: Based on your analysis, outline specific, actionable recommendations. Use visual aids like flowcharts or decision trees to illustrate proposed processes or strategies.
Quantify Potential Impact: Where possible, use data to project the potential outcomes of your recommendations. This could include forecasts, scenario analyses, or cost-benefit calculations.
Tell a Future Story: Use narrative techniques to paint a picture of what success could look like if your recommendations are implemented. This helps make your proposals more tangible and motivating.

Best Practices for Effective Data Storytelling

To maximize the impact of your “What, So What, Now What” data story, keep these best practices in mind:

Know Your Audience: Tailor your language, level of technical detail, and choice of visualizations to your specific audience.
Use a Clear Narrative Arc: Structure your story with a beginning, middle, and end. This helps maintain engagement and ensures your key messages are memorable.
Choose Appropriate Visualizations: Select chart types that best represent your data and support your narrative. Avoid cluttered or overly complex visuals.
Highlight the Human Element: Where possible, include anecdotes or case studies that illustrate the real-world impact of your data and recommendations.
Practice Data Ethics: Be transparent about your data sources and methodologies. Address potential biases or limitations in your analysis.

By combining the structured reflection of the “What, So What, Now What” model with powerful data storytelling techniques, you can create compelling narratives that not only present your findings but also drive meaningful action. This approach helps bridge the gap between data analysis and decision-making, ensuring that your insights translate into real-world impact.

Remember, effective data storytelling is both an art and a science. It requires a deep understanding of your data, a clear grasp of your audience’s needs, and the ability to weave these elements into a coherent and engaging narrative. With practice and refinement, you can master this powerful tool for driving data-informed change in your organization.

The Art of Active Listening

As quality professionals and leaders of all stripes information bombards us from all directions. This is why the ability to truly listen is a core and valuable skill. Whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or casual interactions, effective listening can be the key to building stronger connections, resolving conflicts, and fostering mutual understanding.

In this post, I want to look at four powerful techniques that I am working to refine to continually improve my listening skills, and that can help you in your journey to be a more empathetic and insightful communicator.

The Importance of Active Listening

Before we explore the techniques, it’s crucial to understand why active listening is so vital. Active listening goes beyond merely hearing words; it involves fully engaging with the speaker, processing their message, and responding thoughtfully. This skill can lead to:

Improved relationships and trust
Better problem-solving and decision-making
Reduced misunderstandings and conflicts
Enhanced empathy and emotional intelligence
Increased productivity in professional settings

Now, let’s dive into the four techniques that can elevate your listening game.

Technique 1: Listen Until the End

The Power of Patience

One of the most common pitfalls in communication is the tendency to interrupt or jump in before the speaker has finished expressing their thoughts. This habit not only disrupts the flow of conversation but also sends a message that you value your own input more than the speaker’s.

Benefits of Listening Completely:

You gain a full understanding of the speaker’s perspective
The speaker feels respected and valued
You avoid making premature judgments or assumptions

How to Practice:

Focus on maintaining eye contact
Use non-verbal cues (nodding, facial expressions) to show engagement
Resist the urge to formulate responses while the other person is speaking
Take mental notes if necessary, but prioritize active listening

By allowing the speaker to complete their thoughts without interruption, you create an environment of trust and openness, which is essential for effective communication.

Technique 2: Listen to Summarize, Not to Solve

The Art of Understanding

When someone shares a problem or concern, our natural instinct is often to jump into problem-solving mode. However, this approach can be counterproductive, especially if the speaker is simply looking to be heard and understood.

Why Summarizing is Crucial:

It ensures you’ve accurately grasped the speaker’s message
It demonstrates that you’re fully engaged in the conversation
It allows the speaker to clarify any misunderstandings
It gives the speaker a chance to reflect on their own thoughts

Implementing This Technique:

Focus on capturing the main points and emotions expressed
After the speaker finishes, paraphrase what you’ve heard
Use phrases like “So, if I understand correctly…” or “It sounds like…”
Ask for confirmation: “Have I captured that accurately?”

By prioritizing understanding over immediate problem-solving, you create a space where the speaker feels truly heard, which can often lead to more effective resolution of issues in the long run.

Technique 3: Balance Connection and Comprehension

The Dual Focus of Effective Listening

Listening is not just about absorbing information; it’s also about building a connection with the speaker. Striking the right balance between these two aspects is crucial for meaningful communication.

Aspects to Focus On:

Building Connection:
- Pay attention to the speaker’s emotions and body language
- Show empathy and understanding through your responses
- Use appropriate facial expressions and gestures
Ensuring Comprehension:
- Focus on the content and context of the message
- Ask clarifying questions when necessary
- Take mental notes of key points

Strategies for Balancing Both:

Practice active empathy by putting yourself in the speaker’s shoes
Use reflective listening techniques to confirm understanding while showing support
Alternate between focusing on emotional cues and factual content

By mastering this balance, you not only gain a deeper understanding of the issue at hand but also strengthen your relationship with the speaker, fostering trust and open communication.

Technique 4: Listen for Values

Uncovering the Hidden Layers

Every conversation, whether it’s a casual chat or an emotional outpouring, offers a window into the speaker’s values and priorities. By tuning into these underlying messages, you can gain profound insights into what truly matters to the person you’re communicating with.

Why Listening for Values Matters:

It deepens your understanding of the speaker’s motivations
It helps you respond more empathetically and effectively
It strengthens your connection by showing genuine interest in the speaker’s worldview

How to Identify Values in Conversation:

Pay attention to recurring themes or concerns
Notice what elicits strong emotional responses
Listen for statements about what “should” or “ought to” be
Observe which topics the speaker spends the most time on

Applying This Technique:

When someone is ranting about a seemingly minor issue, consider what underlying value it might represent (e.g., respect, fairness, efficiency)
In emotional conversations, try to identify the core values driving the speaker’s feelings
For complex topics, look for patterns that reveal the speaker’s fundamental beliefs and priorities

By listening for values, you transform every interaction into an opportunity for deeper understanding and connection, enriching your relationships and broadening your perspective.

Conclusion

Mastering these four listening techniques – listening until the end, summarizing rather than solving, balancing connection and comprehension, and listening for values – can revolutionize your communication skills. These strategies not only enhance your ability to understand and connect with others but also contribute to your personal and professional growth.

Remember, effective listening is a skill that requires practice and patience. As you implement these techniques in your daily interactions, you’ll likely find that your conversations become more meaningful, your relationships stronger, and your understanding of others more profound. In a world where genuine connection is increasingly valuable, honing your listening skills is an investment that pays dividends in all areas of life.

So, the next time you engage in a conversation, challenge yourself to apply these techniques. You might be surprised at how much you can learn and how much deeper your connections can become when you truly listen with intention and care.

Remote Informal Communication

Additionally, organizations should promote informal communication as a vital aspect of team functioning, which could help reduce the pressure to constantly appear busy
Vanessa Begemann, Lisa Handke, Nale Lehmann-Willenbrock, Enabling and constraining factors of remote informal communication: a socio-technical systems perspective, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Volume 29, Issue 5, September 2024, zmae008, https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmae008

Great little paper on informal communications in the remote workplace. The focus on the technology needing to be focused on (1) accessibility, (2) usability, (3) visibility, (4) selectivity, and (5) synchronicity is something that cannot be iterated enough.

I think one solution to a lot of what this article covers is a good, well defined, team charter.

The Team/Workgroup Charter, and When to Revisit

Should Have, Could Have, and Would Have

Avoiding the Word Should in GxP Documents

Generally, it’s best to avoid using “should” in a GxP document (e.g., SOP, plan, report, etc.). The word “should” can come across as non-committal or indicate a preference rather than a firm intention or goal.

GxP Documents are meant to be clear, concise, and direct. A more definitive language and active voice are preferred.

When writing about your goals and plans, it’s better to use more confident and assertive language rather than tentative words like “should.”

If you need to express a goal or aspiration that isn’t mandatory, consider rephrasing it more directly or using alternative constructions that show commitment and motivation.

Focus on using active voice and present tense verbs to describe your experiences, goals, and reasons for applying to the program.

Remember that a GxP Document, like a plan or SOP, is your opportunity to demonstrate your clarity of purpose and commitment. Using more decisive language can help convey this.

In summary, while “should” might be appropriate in some contexts, it’s generally best to avoid it in a GxP document in favor of more direct and confident language that propels into action.

Modals of Lost Opportunity

The term “modals of lost opportunity” refers to the modal verbs should have, could have, and would have. These modals express regret or hypothetical scenarios about past events that did not occur. They allow speakers to reflect on what might have been different if specific actions had been taken. They can be used in business and technical writing to express regret, hypothetical scenarios, and constructive feedback. But they should be used very carefully in GxP writing.

Should have indicates that a different action was recommended or expected in the past. It often implies a sense of regret or criticism about what was done or not done.

Example: “I should have left my house earlier.” This implies that leaving earlier would have been the better choice, possibly to avoid being late.

Could have is used to talk about possibilities or abilities that existed in the past but were not realized. It often reflects on missed opportunities or potential outcomes that did not happen.

Example: “If I had gone to college, I could have gotten a better job.” This suggests that attending college was a possibility that could have led to a better job, but it did not happen.

Would have is used to imagine a specific result that would have occurred if a different action had been taken. It often expresses a more certain outcome compared to “could have.”

Example: “If we had arrived earlier, we would have caught our flight.” This indicates that arriving earlier would have definitely resulted in catching the flight.

Usage in Sentences

Should Have: “You should have completed your training.” This implies that training was the recommended action that was not taken.
Could Have: “She could have won the race if she hadn’t fallen.” This suggests that winning was a possible outcome if not for the fall.
Would Have: “I would have called you, but I didn’t know your number.” This indicates a definite action that would have occurred if the number was known.

Practicing Humbleness

My greatest weakness is my poor track record of practicing humbleness. Balancing humility with assertiveness in professional life is essential for effective leadership and personal growth. It is critical to being an expert. So here are the things I remind myself of and practice as part of my mindfulness.

Acknowledge your limitations and knowledge gaps

Be open about areas where you still have more to learn
Admit when you don’t know something or are uncertain
Recognize that expertise in one area doesn’t make you an expert in everything

Remain open to learning from others

Listen attentively to different perspectives and ideas
Be willing to change your views based on new information
Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge

Give credit to others

Recognize the contributions and insights of colleagues and mentors
Share credit for successes and accomplishments
Use “we” instead of “I” when discussing team achievements

Practice gratitude

Express appreciation for opportunities you’ve had to develop expertise
Thank those who have supported your growth and learning
Be grateful for chances to share your knowledge with others

Stay curious and ask questions

Maintain a learner’s mindset, even as an expert
Ask thoughtful questions to deepen your understanding
Be open to new ideas and approaches in your field

Focus on serving others with your expertise

Use your knowledge to help and empower others
Prioritize making a positive impact over personal recognition
Share your expertise generously without expectation of reward

Reflect on your journey and growth

Remember the challenges you faced in developing your expertise
Consider how much more there is still to learn in your field
Appreciate the ongoing nature of learning and development

Accept and learn from criticism and feedback

Be open to constructive criticism of your work
Use feedback as an opportunity for improvement
Avoid becoming defensive when your ideas are challenged

By consistently practicing these behaviors, we can maintain humility while confidently sharing our expertise. This approach allows us to continue growing professionally while fostering positive relationships and respect from colleagues and peers.