How can you adapt to the latest performance reporting innovations?

1 Know your audience

The first step to adapting to any performance reporting innovation is to understand who your audience is and what they need from your report. Different stakeholders may have different expectations, preferences, and levels of understanding when it comes to performance data. For example, a senior executive may want a high-level summary of the key metrics and trends, while a technical team member may want more details and explanations of the methods and calculations. Therefore, you should tailor your report to suit your audience's needs and interests, and use the appropriate format, language, and tone.

2 Embrace automation

One of the most significant innovations in performance reporting is the use of automation to collect, process, and display data. Automation can save you time, reduce errors, and enhance consistency in your performance reporting. For example, you can use tools like Google Data Studio, Power BI, or Tableau to connect to various data sources, create dashboards and visualizations, and update them automatically. You can also use automation to generate insights, recommendations, and narratives from your data, using tools like Quill, Narrative Science, or Lumen5. Automation can help you focus on the most important and relevant aspects of your performance data, and communicate them effectively.

3 Experiment with new formats

Another way to adapt to the latest performance reporting innovations is to experiment with new formats and channels for delivering your reports. Depending on your audience and purpose, you may want to try different ways of presenting your performance data, such as interactive charts, infographics, videos, podcasts, or stories. These formats can help you engage your audience, convey your message, and showcase your creativity. For example, you can use tools like Canva, Piktochart, or Adobe Spark to create stunning infographics, or tools like Anchor, Podbean, or Soundtrap to record and share podcasts. You can also use tools like Storytelling with Data, StoryIQ, or Storyline to create compelling stories from your data.

4 Learn from others

A great way to adapt to the latest performance reporting innovations is to learn from others who are doing it well. You can find inspiration and guidance from various sources, such as online courses, blogs, podcasts, books, or webinars. For example, you can take courses like Data Visualization and Communication with Tableau, Storytelling with Data, or Performance Reporting for Business Success on Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. You can also follow blogs like DataViz Catalogue, Storytelling with Data, or Performance Reporting Blog for tips and examples. You can also listen to podcasts like Data Stories, The Present Beyond Measure Show, or Data Skeptic for insights and interviews.

5 Seek feedback

Finally, one of the best ways to adapt to the latest performance reporting innovations is to seek feedback from your audience and peers. Feedback can help you improve your performance reporting skills, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and discover new opportunities and challenges. You can ask for feedback in various ways, such as surveys, polls, interviews, or focus groups. You can also use tools like SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Typeform to create and distribute feedback forms. You can also use tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, or Google Analytics to track and analyze how your audience interacts with your reports.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?