11 The People Analytics Translator
As you get more comfortable consuming People Analytics you naturally gain an ability to translate that information into ways that can be applied to your organization or career.
Translators simplify complex data and insights into clear, actionable insights. This article referred to the ‘data translator’ as one of the most powerful analytics roles – even though it doesn’t require analytics! And, this translation concept is probably one of the most common things I hear hiring managers say they are looking for when hiring a new People Analytics team member. Irrespective of the technical skills needed, there is one thing they always want to hire – a People Analytics translator. Not just someone with analytics skills or just someone who knows the people side of the business, but someone who can connect data-informed insights to the needs of the organization.
The first, best step to being an effective translator is being an effective consumer. Lucky for you, you are already on that journey! Each time you consume People Analytics materials, you’re building a knowledge base and honing your ability to translate relevant insights. But, translating goes beyond absorbing information. Translators are critical consumers, they ask questions and assess limitations. They know how to assess information for its applicability and alignment to the challenges and opportunities of the organization. They are also master communicators. Their strength lies in bridging the gap between data and action. They consume the insights of others, cultivate relationships with data experts, and connect the insights they’ve gathered from others to those who need to make data-informed decisions. They do this through compelling and persuasive data storytelling that inspires action and leads to change.
Becoming an effective People Analytics translator requires skills that are best learned by doing. So start by strengthening your translation muscles in the next section’s “Explore & Engage: From Consumer to Translator” activities then dive deeper into some of the key non-technical skills required for People Analytics translators.