We won’t be incentivized to implement data storytelling in the workplace until we recognize its transformative value.
Data storytelling now serves as a means to escape the obscurity that accompanies working with data in this day and age, when data is driving the corporate revolution. It also cures the misinterpretation that exists when communicating data to important business stakeholders. Companies that are yet to unlock the importance of data storytelling in managing their business affairs risk introducing operational gaps. Hence, there’s a need to understand the value of data storytelling.
This article will go on to reveal the transformative value of data storytelling and why it should be totally embraced in every workplace.
The Main Essence of Data Storytelling
Data storytelling leverages the power and nature of the human brain. When humans come across figures, diagrams, or words, the first thing their brain tries to do is organize everything into a story. If the brain cannot make sense of it due to it’s complexity, then there’s no way it can be understood. In the same vein, storytelling is used to make data relatable to a common man. Data that has been gathered from data sources—typically a data warehouse—is then processed and transformed into plain language, diagrams, and conversations.
The major importance of data storytelling in the workplace is to establish a data-driven culture where everybody can understand the vision of the organization and operate with it at the same frequency.
For instance, when a market survey is carried out in the health industry to know the number of people going through dental challenges over a period of years and are in need of a permanent solution, it will take a good data storytelling strategist to relate the statistical results to the team.
In this case, figures and statistical estimates are not enough to communicate the burden and urgency of the matter to the entire team. It requires the use of illustrations and words to communicate the matter to every stakeholder in the organization, so everyone is motivated to play their part in providing solutions to the pending issue.
In a nutshell, Data storytelling
Consider a work environment in which decision-making is delegated to a single individual, usually the head of operations. How slowly would things advance? But in a workplace where data storytelling makes data accessible to all, making informed decisions comes naturally, enabling employees and stakeholders to boost productivity with precision.
Additionally, introducing data storytelling in the workplace creates a sense of independence among employees. It creates a sense of responsibility in them, therefore inspiring them to work accurately without supervision. This attitude is instilled in them as a result of their sense of belonging to the organization’s success.
Most of the world-changing innovations that are in operation today were the result of collaboration between teams that had a clear understanding of data and the organization’s mission.
When all employees of an organization operate on the same level of understanding goals and mission, the workplace becomes a center for innovation and development. Since no one is left out and everyone operates on the same level of understanding, communication is easier and faster. Teams in different departments can come together to build very innovative products that would serve the needs of the public.
Growth happens only in an atmosphere that houses informed minds. It’s too risky, at this current time, to run a company with stakeholders who are unclear about their roles and cannot make data-driven decisions. Hence the need for data storytelling, which introduces a powerful force in the human mind to bring about unparalleled innovation and development.
The importance of data storytelling in the workplace extends far beyond visually pleasing statistical figures. It is about crafting a story that resonates with people at all levels of the business, enabling understanding, collaboration, and informed decision-making. As workplaces continue to navigate the complexity of data, those who master the art of data storytelling stand to quickly propel their businesses forward.
