“We want to become data-driven.” A great ambition – and one I hear increasingly often in the mission and vision of organizations.
But what does it really mean? And why does it so often fall flat, even in companies with mountains of data?
The answer: context and communication are often missing. Without these two, data remains a blind spot.
Data ≠ Insight
Many organizations collect data, build dashboards, and steer based on KPIs. But often without ensuring that employees actually understand:
- What the numbers really mean
- Why they matter
- What to do with them
Without that connection, data turns into frustration. Employees feel overwhelmed or excluded. Managers struggle to build support.
The result? Beautiful reports that end up in drawers.
What data-driven really means
True data-driven working is not a technological decision, but a behavioral one. It’s about:
- Understanding and explaining insights
- Translating data into context, purpose, and action
- Using data to support decisions – not to automate them
And that only works when communication and collaboration are at the center.
Communication is the key
Insights need more than accuracy – they need to be understood and used.
That’s why I always work with:
- Clear, accessible visualizations
- Insights tailored to the audience (e.g. management vs. team)
- Practical advice: What does this mean for you? What needs to change?
Because a chart without a story is just as useless as a story without evidence.
How I help organizations work truly data-driven
My approach connects data to context and communication:
- Focused analysis: What do you want to achieve? What needs to change?
- Tailored insights: No generic dashboards – but ones aligned with your team and strategy.
- Practical advice that leads to action: Insights that don’t just inform, but move people – and drive results.
In conclusion: numbers don’t make decisions – people do
Working data-driven requires more than just tools or reports. It requires context, communication, and above all: human involvement.
Want your data to be truly understood and used?
Schedule an introductory meeting – I’ll help you bring your insights to life.
Alice van den Boogaard – Value X
Value X – From data to insight, from insight to impact