Your client can't grasp data-driven insights. How do you manage their expectations?
When clients struggle to understand data-driven insights, it can be challenging to manage their expectations. To bridge the gap, consider these strategies:
What strategies have worked for you in managing client expectations?
Your client can't grasp data-driven insights. How do you manage their expectations?
When clients struggle to understand data-driven insights, it can be challenging to manage their expectations. To bridge the gap, consider these strategies:
What strategies have worked for you in managing client expectations?
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To manage your client's expectations, simplify the data-driven insights by using clear, non-technical language and relatable examples. Focus on the actionable outcomes and how the data directly impacts their goals, avoiding overwhelming them with complex metrics. Regularly check in to ensure understanding and adjust the presentation style if necessary to keep them engaged and confident in the insights.
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First, simplify the data into easy-to-understand visuals and clear, concise explanations. Use relatable analogies to bridge the gap between complex insights and their understanding. Next, regularly engage with the client to explain the significance and actionable steps derived from the data. Offer continuous support and education to help them grasp the value and implementation of data-driven decisions. 🌟✨
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Data insights is a single dimension of the Business story however qualitative aspects are to compliment the analysis! In all aspects, the Data dash board is about action orientation and is to be connected and reflected on Business decisions … Capturing the clients’ strategic, tactical and operational questions shall be interpreted in the Business management. Dash board which is data driven but complimented with qualitative findings !!
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Try to make sure that the insights are delivered as easy as possible so that also less tech savvy people can understand it and take advantage. Furthermore in the communication shift the focus away from the how to the what. So what is the insight and what can a business use it for rather than how you got this insight even though this process might be impressive.
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Managing a client struggling with data-driven insights starts with simplifying the narrative. Focus on key takeaways, using visuals like charts or dashboards to clarify trends. Relate the data to their goals, explaining how it drives actionable outcomes. Use analogies or real-world examples to make complex concepts relatable. Be transparent about what the data can and cannot achieve, setting realistic expectations upfront. Provide regular updates with concise explanations and remain patient, reinforcing the connection between data and their success. Keep the conversation outcome-focused, not overly technical.
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There are two causes that can lead to this situation: 1. Customer : The customer is not comfortable with a lot of data thrown at them and prefer simpler English sentences to understand the message. This is perfectly normal and all you need to do is to ensure that all the insights have an associated message resonating with the way the question/problem statement was presented. 2. Your insights : It could be your model/insights that are full of numbers without proper formatting or headers or message. A simple test of this would be to give the model to someone in your team and ask them to interpret the message. If they can't do it in 2 mins, the customer wont be either. Your data insights need to have clear messages written alongside.
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When a client struggles with data-driven insights, it’s all about meeting them where they are. Start by simplifying the story—focus on what the data means for them and tie it back to their goals. Use visuals like charts or analogies to make the insights relatable and avoid overloading them with unnecessary details. Break it into bite-sized takeaways: “Here’s the key trend, and this is what we recommend.” If they’re still hesitant, manage expectations with transparency: “This is where we are now, and these are the steps we’ll take to get where you want to be.” Patience and clarity go a long way!
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Irvan Karamy
Seasoned Manager in Operations, Projects, Funds, and Stakeholders | Lifelong learner
(edited)Data driven insights actually is my strength and i love to discuss about it. Honestly, my objectives was not to win every "corporate" debate, but to add values into my works. The challenge is most people is not data literate. My own experience, it is one in ten person only. Not so long ago, i tried so hard to advice a partner to choose a particular business model for his business. Eventhough i bring all the data, yet he rejected it. By time, i learned that first and foremost we have to know who is our stakeholder. Are they data literate or not ? Yes ? We can proceed with the advance model. If No ? We must create a simple and understandable model (charts, graphs) and deliver the insights with plain english with little to no jargon.
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