12 Explore & Engage: From Consumer to Translator

Assuming you have already started to build your foundation as a data consumer, you’ve got material to help kick-start your translator journey. Here are three key strategies that will help bridge the gap between that information and action.

1. Mine your data consumer journey: Ideally, you’ve been taking notes as you’ve been practicing your data consumer skills. Those notes are priceless! Revisit your notes from any article, video, meeting, presentation, or discussion you’ve had. For each one, consider potential applications – either for your current situation or future scenarios in which the learnings might apply. The more you practice looking for ways to apply what you learn, the more ways you will see.
2. Befriend the data do-ers: Don’t underestimate the power of collaboration! Most analysts are eager to see their work used. Find a data friend, share your business goals and information needs, and watch their eyes light up. They can guide you toward relevant data sources, suggest analytical approaches, and even lend a helping hand. Remember, you’re not asking them to do your job, you’re simply tapping into their expertise to amplify yours.
3. Build Your Analytics Toolkit: While you don’t need to become a data scientist to be an effective translator, basic knowledge of analytics will help you be a better information consumer, requestor, and translator. Learn the basics of data collection, analysis, and visualization (more on all of this in step 3!). This awareness will expand your understanding of what’s possible, allowing you to ask more informed questions and navigate the data landscape with confidence.

These steps will help take you from a passive consumer of information to a skilled People Analytics translator and provide opportunities to build your translator skills of business acumen, communication, and storytelling skills. Let’s dive into each of these critical skills further.