How can you use data to build consensus among stakeholders?

Data is a powerful tool for executive managers who want to build consensus among stakeholders. Whether you are leading a project, implementing a strategy, or solving a problem, you need to communicate effectively with your team, your clients, your partners, and your superiors. Data can help you do that by providing evidence, insights, and clarity. Here are some ways you can use data to build consensus among stakeholders.

1 Define the problem

Before you can use data to build consensus, you need to define the problem you are trying to solve or the goal you are trying to achieve. This will help you identify the relevant data sources, metrics, and methods. You also need to understand the perspectives, interests, and expectations of your stakeholders. What are their pain points, needs, and objectives? How do they measure success? How do they prefer to receive and process information? By defining the problem and the stakeholders, you can tailor your data approach to suit your audience.

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Giovanni Sisinna

🔹Portfolio-Program-Project Management, Technological Innovation, Management Consulting, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence🔹AI Advisor | Director Program Management @ISA | Partner @YOURgroup
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💡 In my opinion, clearly defining the problem is foundational to leveraging data effectively. 🔍 Precision in Metrics Select metrics that accurately reflect the problem's facets. 🗂️ Source Integrity Validate that data sources are credible and pertinent to stakeholders. 🔄 Feedback Integration Incorporate stakeholder insights to refine data interpretation. 🔗 Communication Strategy Tailor data presentation to stakeholder preferences and biases. 📌 A well-defined problem steers data usage towards meaningful consensus.

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Wayne Bowden

Associate Director, Tactical Optimization & Crisis-Management at UnitedHealth Group
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In God we trust, but everyone else has to bring the data. Data should support your mission, what you are doing and make sure everything is on track and moving in the right direction. It's not something you should be afraid of, it's should be an asset. And don't over complicate it, use the data to create a few key metrics and make sure they are visible and spoken to at all level of the company and across all stakeholder groups. Your front line staff should be just as aware of your key metrics as your executive sponsors. That way everyone feels connected and part of a shared vision and goal.

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2 Collect and analyze the data

Once you have defined the problem and the stakeholders, you need to collect and analyze the data that will support your case. You need to ensure that the data is reliable, valid, and relevant. You also need to use appropriate tools and techniques to process, visualize, and interpret the data. You should look for patterns, trends, correlations, and outliers that can reveal insights and opportunities. You should also compare and contrast different data sources and methods to validate your findings and address potential biases.

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3 Communicate the data

After you have collected and analyzed the data, you need to communicate the data to your stakeholders in a clear and compelling way. You need to use the right format, language, and tone to convey your message. You should use charts, graphs, tables, and dashboards to illustrate your data and highlight the key points. You should also use stories, narratives, and examples to connect your data to your stakeholders' emotions and values. You should explain the data in a simple and concise way, avoiding jargon and technical terms. You should also anticipate and address any questions, objections, or concerns that your stakeholders may have.

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Christopher Thompson ACC, CPC
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The best users of data have skilled “storytellers” who partner with them to provide strategic insights that inform how best to leverage the data to lead to better outcomes. Data and insights must work together. #bettertogther

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4 Engage the stakeholders

Finally, you need to engage the stakeholders in a dialogue and feedback loop. You need to listen to their opinions, suggestions, and feedback. You need to acknowledge their contributions, concerns, and reservations. You need to respect their views, preferences, and expertise. You need to collaborate with them to find common ground, align expectations, and resolve conflicts. You need to involve them in the decision-making process and show them how their input matters. You need to build trust, rapport, and rapport with them.

Using data to build consensus among stakeholders is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. You need to monitor, evaluate, and update your data regularly. You need to keep your stakeholders informed, engaged, and satisfied. You need to use data as a tool for communication, collaboration, and innovation.

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5 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?

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How can you use data to build consensus among stakeholders?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Define the problem

2 Collect and analyze the data

3 Communicate the data

4 Engage the stakeholders

5 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Management

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How can you use data to build consensus among stakeholders?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Define the problem

2 Collect and analyze the data

3 Communicate the data

4 Engage the stakeholders

5 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Management

Rate this article

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