Becoming Data Fluent: Practice Soft Skills to Uncover Insights that Drive Innovation
I recently published a short blog post on how analysts can upskill in the age of AI to remain relevant and lead with data. With the advent of these new tools, data analysts need to evolve or risk becoming obsolete. Let’s dive into some of the soft skills that you can develop to help you transition from a dashboard designer to a decision driver.
One thing I've learned over my years as an analyst is that success doesn’t come from providing answers—it comes from asking the right questions.
By challenging our stakeholders to look deeper, analysts not only drive innovation but also elevate our teams to new heights. In our daily work, it’s easy to fall into the habit of just completing the first analysis requested. But the true power of data fluency lies in our ability to ask insightful, challenging questions and listen with empathy and curiosity.
Pushing Beyond Surface-Level Metrics to Uncover Root Causes
It’s tempting to be satisfied with a quick analytical project —a simple metric, a one time request, an easy dashboard. But as we all know, surface-level metrics are just the tip of the iceberg. Be mindful when asking these questions to ensure that your tone is understood. You’re not questioning the project itself, you just want to have the best information at hand to provide the best output. Here’s some example questions you can use to get more insights from your stakeholders:
How does this analysis support our long-term strategy?
What actions will be taken with the output from this analysis?
Which business decision will this analysis support?
Is this a one-time analysis or should I create the opportunity to repeat this analysis?
What is the critical timeline to deliver this analysis? Is there any time sensitivity?
Are there external factors influencing this analysis that I should be aware of?
Are there any risks involved with completing this analysis?
After asking these questions LISTEN to the answers. The quick analysis might be enough to get the job done, or maybe, another suggestion or hypothesis will better suit the situation. Use your critical thinking skills to best advise the business.
These, and other probing questions lead to more thorough analyses and robust, actionable insights. Often, by questioning the initial request, you’ll discover that the real value lies in understanding the “why” behind the numbers.
Proactively Identifying Opportunities in the Data
True data fluency means being proactive. As you’re completing projects, keep your sense of wonder and ask, “What if?” whenever you have the chance. Instead of always waiting for a request, look for potential trends or anomalies that could lead to a competitive edge for your organization. Familiarize yourself with the datasets your organization has available. Developing an inquisitive mindset and nurturing that curiosity is a game-changer. The more you practice this proactive approach, the more you’ll uncover insights that others deem impossible to see.
Encouraging Curiosity and Critical Thinking in Your Team
We all come from different backgrounds, but our shared love for data unites us. As an analyst, you’re probably already a curious and critical thinking individual. This puts you in an ideal position to foster a culture of curiosity and open-mindedness in your team. Help create an environment where questions are celebrated, no matter how unconventional they might seem. Encourage your colleagues to:
Explore alternative hypotheses.
Challenge assumptions.
Share creative ideas for how to look at the data.
This culture of curiosity makes your team more resilient in the face of challenges and drives a level of innovation that sets your projects apart from the rest.
Final Thought:
Let’s become trailblazers who encourage a deeper level of inquiry, spark innovation, and ultimately, transform the way our organizations approach data.
Post conceived of by Justeen Gales and written with the support of Microsoft Copilot