From Raw Data to Inspiration—3 Pathways

Analyzed data is a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. 

Throughout my career, my ability to analyze—and methodology for clearly defining data—has created numerous opportunities for professional advancement. CModel Data is the manifestation of how far I’ve “leaned in” to data analysis.

 The by-product of any thought or action is data—meaning, there is always something to be analyzed, particularly in businesses looking to grow. It’s why I hold a strong belief in leading with it. When summarized, raw data has power. However, when analyzed, it can 10x our ability to see—and capitalize—on opportunities to shape the future.

Analyzed data allows us to create alignment—and real consensus—either as a narrative or in hard, cold, indisputable numbers. The reward of this data alignment is inspiration—the crucial ingredient to driving desired outcomes.

Globally, this digital transformation has modernized how data is employed, as witnessed by the development of increasingly intelligent tools designed to assist in our understanding of data, and harness its power. The proliferation of data warehouses, CRMs, and business intelligence tools are now crucial in all aspects business.

Yet even as these tools become increasingly available, we have not seen the complete democratization of data. I think this democratization will happen when analyzed data becomes readily available and understandable (in real-time) to non-technical end-users—especially decision-makers.

I’ve spoken to numerous CEOs about their decision-making processes. Many of these conversations pertain to the amount of “tech debt” they’ve accumulated and are often compounded by their inability to understand the current state of their endeavors. What I’ve discovered is decision-makers seek tangible returns on often sizable investments into their tech stacks. 

So, what’s missing? Look no further than the absence of analysis. 

There are spreadsheets, charts, graphs, and countless tools that spit out data facts—while masquerading as insights. What decision-makers need is the analysis that summarizes this data into digestible and actionable information—generally or specifically. 

CEOs and other stakeholders want analysis that shows how different data sources are correlated; a narrative clearly defining what all their data means—and, more importantly, how to use it to grow their business and create alignment across the enterprise.

The absence of data analysis is what fans the flames of misalignment—turning inspiration to ash. 

In the past, it was usually sales teams claiming that “Data can’t tell you everything.” Today, this claim is heard at every level and function throughout the business—usually after money is invested into tools, infrastructure, policies, and people. To hear leaders say, “We still need to rely on anecdotes” for their planning or projection efforts, is disheartening.  

I’ll tell you a secret: an anecdote is data you haven’t tracked.  

The intended outcome of plans and projections is decisions. Every input should be measured to determine its effectiveness and enable quality decision-making leading to repeatable growth.

Inspiration awakens us to new possibilities, enables us to transcend ordinary experiences and perceived limitations—and empowers us to create the future. For businesses seeking sustainable, repeatable growth, harnessing their raw data is paramount. It can be the determining factor in your success—or failure as a business.

Here are three ways you can go from raw data to inspiration:

1. Improve data collection efforts: Ensure your data is sourced reliably. Be fearless in your processes and checkpoints.
2. Enforce data governance: Ensure your data is observed consistently—meaning—no shortcuts.
3. Find your data’s story with analysis:

• Process relevant information systematically to ensure conclusions are available and understood.
• Qualify data to find the key drivers of actions, thoughts, and words; remove ambiguous assumptions or personal biases.
• Unify your data model and make it your mission to find measurable or observable variables that predict change and outcomes before they occur. 

True data analysis lives at the intersection of these activities. The analysis is where decision makers find their answers and quell their fears about what to do next. The future needs properly analyzed data to open the doors of perfect alignment—and shared inspiration.