Devoted to how insight is developed, shared and acted on
It's Time To Communicate!
How much of your time is spent managing a research project or analysing data? How does this compare with the amount of time that you spend on identifying and communicating the really important messages that emerge from it?
For example, you might find that you spend 90% of your time carrying out the project but only 10% or less of the time preparing and sharing your outputs. If this is the case, then you probably aren’t communicating as effectively as you could.
Helen James of Insight Partners has made a very apt comment that we all need to take on board: “An average insight communicated well has more value and impact than a brilliant insight communicated badly.” So, be prepared to spend more time on thinking about how you can help people to understand the real implications of your findings.
It’s time to make time!
We could all benefit from taking the old Boy Scout motto to heart: ‘Be Prepared!’ However, perhaps it should be altered to: ‘Be Organised!’ Many of us find that timescales easily slip and then suddenly we remember that we have to prepare a presentation for the following day. By this stage, we are probably tired, and are in danger of not being able to see the wood for the trees.
The tragedy of this is that we are then squeezing our thinking time, which is really the point at which we can add most value for the business.
So, here are a few principles that might help:
- You really need to be strict with your timekeeping.
- If necessary, devise some false deadlines to make sure that you have enough time to do justice to all of your hard work.
- Make time to think, to work out your main messages, and to decide the most effective ways of explaining them so that they have the desired impact.
Helen James says that communicating insight is an opportunity and privilege. Never forget that it’s your opportunity to make a difference. It shouldn't be left as an afterthought at the end of a piece of analysis.
To find out more about the course that Helen is running for us on Impact Writing on 18th September, please click here.
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