Stop Sleepwalking Through Change: Use Data Like a Pro
Ever present a carefully crafted change plan to your team, sure it's a winner, only to be met with blank stares and crickets? Trust me, I've been there. If you're not backing your brilliant ideas with solid data, chances are, they're not going anywhere. A recent article I stumbled upon really hit this point home, and reminded me of something my adopted mum taught me years ago.
Just like me, she works in the professional services industry. Her business is also all about providing top-notch services to her clients. But she knew that didn't happen by accident. So, she tracks everything relevant to her business - client outcomes, project success rates, even something as seemingly unimportant as staff workload. This data allows her to see what is working, what isn’t, and where she can improve. Without those hard numbers, she'd be just throwing darts in the dark, hoping for a bullseye on a target she couldn't even see.
Daily Metrics, Not Monthly Ones
We've all been there: cruising down the highway, trusting the dulcet tones of our GPS lady, only to hear, "In 300 feet, turn left..." followed by a sickening jolt as you realize you just blasted past your exit.
Why does this happen? Because most GPS systems update location data at fixed intervals, not continuously. It's the same trap many businesses fall into with data – relying on monthly reports or quarterly reviews. Sure, you get a snapshot of where you've been, but it's useless for real-time course correction.
Change Needs Real-Time Feedback
Just like navigating a busy highway, change initiatives need constant feedback loops. Imagine you're trying to implement a new marketing strategy. Waiting a month for website traffic data means you've lost valuable time to tweak your approach, optimize your ads, or try something entirely different.
Daily Metrics Keep You On Course
By focusing on daily metrics that align with your change goals, you can be that alert driver who spots the upcoming exit and adjusts accordingly. In our marketing example, this could be tracking daily website visits by source (organic, paid ads, etc.). A sudden dip in organic traffic might prompt you to investigate ranking changes or SEO issues you can address quickly.
Put Data Right in Front of People
Fancy dashboards are all well and good...if anyone actually remembers to log in and check them regularly. Truth is, we live in our workspaces – email, chat apps, project management tools. That's where the data needs to find us.
The Power of a Daily Slack Update
Let's say you're championing a move to cloud-based software in your company, a massive change for everyone involved. Tracking "cloud adoption as a percent of employees logged in" is key to understanding your progress. But no one's going to hunt down that metric every day.
Now, imagine a dedicated Slack channel where a simple update pops up each morning:
"Cloud Adoption Update 📈: We're at 63% today! +2% from yesterday."
That tiny nugget does big things:
Keeps the goal top-of-mind: It's a constant, gentle reminder of the change happening.
Sparks Action: Maybe the sales team sees that number and gets inspired to push the cloud solution to a hesitant client.
Raises Questions: Did adoption stall? That prompts leaders to investigate potential roadblocks.
Simple is Smart
Data shouldn't be an IQ test. Teams focused on change need metrics they understand at a glance and that directly tie to the actions they can take to influence the outcome. Overly complex data muddles the message and leads to inaction.
The Beauty of "Active Users / Total Employees"
Let's revisit our cloud adoption example. Sure, you could track raw login numbers, churn rates, and a dozen other data points. But at its core, the metric that tells you if the change is working is incredibly simple:
Number of active users today / Total number of employees = Cloud adoption percentage
Everyone on your team, from the tech-savvy to the technophobes, grasps what this means and how their daily actions influence that number. This fosters a sense of ownership and removes the excuse of "I don't understand the data so I can't help."
It's Not About Dumbing It Down...
Simple metrics aren't about oversimplifying. It's about finding the core indicators that reveal if your change initiative is gaining traction, or if it's time to rethink things.
Action > Endless Analysis
The biggest misconception about data-driven change is that the goal is to be "right" the first time. The truth is, data illuminates the path, but it can't guarantee perfect outcomes. The real power comes from how the data informs your ability to adapt.
When Data Kills Bad Ideas (That's a Good Thing!)
I've championed plenty of changes that seemed brilliant on paper, only to see the data roll in and give my plans a swift kick in the pants. At first, it stings. But I've learned to appreciate those moments! It means we're not wasting time and resources pursuing something doomed to fail. Sometimes the smartest action is to stop, rethink, and try again.
Example: Let's Go Back to Cloud Adoption...
Imagine you implement a new training plan for that cloud software rollout, confident it'll boost engagement. But the data shows active users flatlining after an initial bump. This tells you a few key things:
The training isn't effective: Time to investigate why and revamp it ASAP.
There may be another roadblock: Issues with the software itself, user resistance, etc.
You need to pivot quickly: Maybe ditch the training and try incentivizing usage instead
The Iterative Mindset Powered by Data
Change is rarely a one-and-done thing. Data helps you constantly adjust, optimize, and find what truly works. It turns "let's try this and hope" into an informed, agile approach far more likely to succeed in the long run.
Your Tech Team: Frenemies No More
Let's be honest – the relationship between change agents and IT folks can be...tense. We need their magic to make data happen, but too often, it feels like we're speaking entirely different languages. That misunderstanding leads to missed opportunities and frustrated teams.
It's a Two-Way Street
The key to unlocking a super productive partnership is shifting away from the "us vs. them" mentality. Remember, they're likely overworked, understaffed, and feeling like no one appreciates all they do behind the scenes to keep the company running.
Here's how you can build bridges:
Learn some basic tech-speak: You don't need to code, but understand the systems they work with and the constraints they face. This shows respect.
Offer resources (within reason): Can someone on your team assist with simple tasks, freeing up IT for complex stuff?
Make them part of the change: Early on, involve IT in discussions. Get their input on data needs so they feel invested, not blindsided.
Think of It as an Investment
The time you spend building a good rapport with IT will pay off tenfold when you need that custom report ASAP or their expertise to troubleshoot a data issue mid-change.
The Bottom Line:
Don't see IT as an obstacle to overcome, but as a powerhouse you can collaborate with to drive successful change initiatives with the data insights you need.
Change Doesn't Happen By Accident
We've all been part of change initiatives that fizzled out or felt directionless. Too often, it's because we're not harnessing the full power of data. It's time to ditch those dusty monthly reports and embrace a new mindset:
Data Informs Daily Action: Find those key metrics that matter and put them in front of your teams every day.
Simplicity Drives Change: Don't hide behind complexity. Track metrics that everyone on your team can understand and act upon.
Data Reveals the Path: Use those metrics to test your assumptions, iterate quickly, and optimize the change process.
Your Tech Team is Your Ally: Build a relationship with IT founded on respect and collaboration.
This approach turns change management from a chaotic gamble into a strategic process informed by real-world feedback. Are you ready to take charge and start using data to drive the kind of change that gets results?
