Six steps to turn data into actions

In this episode of Datadrivet, Joni Lindgren and Jasmin Yaya talk to Johan Johansson, Senior Strategist at Carat. The topic is how to move from looking at data to acting on it. He recently launched a course, “Förbättra ditt analytiska tänkande,” on Framgångsakademin, to make Sweden more analytical.

He starts with three pillars any effective organization needs: people, processes, and tools. The smartest investment, he says, is “a process that forces you to become data-driven.”

• Step 0, set clear goals. Define what you want to achieve and how you will measure it.
• Step 1, make data-based observations.
• Step 2, turn observations into insights. Explain why something is a problem so others grasp it both intellectually and emotionally.
• Step 3, propose actions. Suggest solutions that build on the prior thinking and on general recommendations.
• Step 4, show the impact. Explain the likely effect and how you would measure it. Frame hypotheses for the backlog and business plan so work can be prioritized.
• Step 5, assign ownership. Make sure the right people and decision-makers settle who does what.
• Step 6, follow up and measure results. Decide who tracks progress, on what timeline, and what success looks like.

Listen to the full episode of Datadrivet for Johan’s walkthrough of the six steps.