The Power of the Right Questions
Why does preparing the right questions have such a significant effect on your success? Well, the purpose of any kind of analysis is to answer the problems and the decisions that we have to make. However, when it comes to effectiveness, it all depends on whether the questions were accurate or not. In other words, the analysis sheds light on the issue by asking questions and thus providing results that matter the most.
The best way to kick off any analysis is to determine the output goals and the specific questions, the stakeholders need answers to. Once the questions and goals are identified, you can start working on to pick up specific data that will address those goals or questions.
"A screen full of analytics data looks like a secret code, and in a way it is. That data has a lot of information in it, and it’s impossible to make sense of it without the key. Put another way, data can give answers, but only if you ask the right questions."
— Marli Mesibov, VP of Content Strategy at Mad*Pow
Empathy: Stepping into the Stakeholder's Shoes
To understand what stakeholders need to figure out, a data analyst must imagine himself/herself in the users’ shoes who are going to make decisions from their analysis. This means he/she needs to show that the goals, challenges, and situations are well-understood. An analyst can think as a salesperson answering customer queries knowing that the client is a layman. With this in mind, an analyst can figure out what data the stakeholder may need & therefore, adjust their findings so they are provided with more accurate information that suits their needs better.
Consider another variation: A marketing team is trying to come up with ideas to combat their disappointment over the ineffectiveness of their last campaign. Now, an analyst can look at the relationship between clicks and sales. But hold on! to really add value, he will ask some key questions first:
- What was the purpose and the goal of the campaign?
- Who was the exact targeted audience?
- Were there any external factors that could have made our results inaccurate?
Addressing these three questions, and you’re bound to come up with some of the finest material, not only clarifications of the past but also powerful inspirations for future strategies.
Practice Makes Perfect
Becoming a good question-asker cannot be done in an hour. It’s a lot like a muscle that is strengthened with regular use. You’ll be stronger in your skills if you immerse yourself in more and more projects. On the one hand each project means a new opportunity to meet different people, to get a deeper understanding of various business scenarios, and to face unforeseen challenges. On the other hand, it’s a chance for the old to go out and for the new to surface.
The following are a few pointers to help you enhance your question-asking:
Active listening: Keep yourself tuned in when people are talking. Listen to them and try to grasp their unsaid messages as well.
Clarify Objectives: Make sure you are on the same page with individuals who will participate in the activity so everybody is in the same boat. Start them up by talking more with open-ended questions that will evoke their deep thoughts of wants and dreams.
Challenge Assumptions: Don’t just agree with the people at the first issue. Instead, try to be a detective – search for the assumptions that color their argument.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the prevailing trends and the newest technological developments in the area you are specializing in. Having a deeper understanding not only helps you ask wiser questions but also makes you a better thinker.
Reflect on Feedback:
- Highlight the opportunistic parts and decide what options are feasible.
- After the project closes, go back and check the feedback, pointing out the usefulness of your ideas.
- Reflect on the feedback by outlining where you have done well and what you need to work on next time.
The Accelerating Impact of Experience
Simply completing a new project increases your resume slab and polishes your query-solving techniques. Over time, you will become proficient at uncovering the key issues more efficiently and handling them with data through more intelligent approaches.
Conclusion
Though keeping up with new tools and technologies is great, the most brilliant achievement of the analyst comes from pulling those important questions for them. Take a cue from your stakeholders and empathize with them; your willingness to listen is one of your biggest strengths, so never let yourself be dragged down by a problem, but grab this as an opportunity to become more focused and sharp in the important areas, especially your communication skills. While your problem is through the maze of data analytics, note that it’s a matter of improving those questioning skills project after project; that is the way to absolute perfection.
