STOP Boring Your Boss to Death with Data (Try This Instead)

Hey team,

These days, just being good at math and numbers is not enough. If you want to be a superstar in data and analytics, you need to learn how to tell a story with your data. This is how you go from being “the numbers person” to a real leader who makes things happen. It’s not just about cool charts, it’s about using your data superpowers to help your team win.

Here’s the scoop:

Robots and computers are awesome at crunching numbers. But they can’t build trust, inspire people, or turn boring data into a story that gets everyone excited.

That’s your secret weapon! If you want to be a leader, your communication skills need to be as strong as your Excel skills. Read that again.

How to Make Data Tell a Story: Lessons from “Storytelling with Data”

When you look at numbers and charts, do they sometimes feel confusing or boring?

Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic’s book, “Storytelling with Data,” shows us that data doesn’t have to be dull. In fact, it can be exciting—if you know how to share it the right way!

Let’s break down what this book teaches, in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand.

Why Just Numbers Aren’t Enough

Numbers and facts are important, but if you just show them to people, they might not get the message. (They most likely WONT). You have to explain what the numbers mean and why they matter.

That’s where storytelling comes in.

From Numbers to Narrative

Have you ever seen a report stuffed with numbers that nobody cares about? The real magic happens when you turn those numbers into a story that answers, “So what?” and “What should we do next?” Your job isn’t just to show the data, it’s to make it matter.

The 3 Pillars of Data Storytelling

When you move from just sharing numbers to telling a story, you help your audience truly understand and care about what the data means.

By focusing on these three pillars, you transform dry stats into a powerful message that inspires action and makes your insights unforgettable.

This is how you move from simply reporting data to actually driving change.

The Game-Changer: Lead with the Key Insight

Here’s the secret move that makes you a leader:

Before you show any charts or talk about numbers, answer the “so what?” right away. This helps everyone focus, trust you, and see you as the guide—not just the reporter.

“Less is almost always more” isn’t just a design rule... it’s your secret weapon. Strip your visuals down to the bare essentials.

It’s not about making slides pretty for the sake of it. It’s about making your message so clear and punchy that nobody misses the point. Every chart, every number, every color—if it doesn’t drive action or understanding, it’s just noise.

Bottom line? Cut the fluff. Focus on what matters.

That’s how you make your data impossible to ignore and your story stick

Mastering the art of leading with your key insight can transform the way you communicate and drive action.

Here’s how to put this power move into practice, with extra detail to make every interaction count:

1. Start with Your Main Idea

• Lead with the headline: Open every meeting, email, or dashboard by clearly stating the most important takeaway. Don’t make your audience dig for meaning—put it front and center.

• Example:
  “The data shows our sales are up 10%, which means we should celebrate and keep doing what works!”

• Why it works: This instantly frames the conversation, sets expectations, and shows you respect your audience’s time.

2. Show Only the Most Important Facts and Charts

• Be selective: Choose only the data points and visuals that directly support your main idea. Less is more—avoid overwhelming your audience with unnecessary details.

• Highlight the “why”: Use simple, bold visuals that make your insight obvious at a glance. Annotate or call out what matters most.

• Keep it focused: If a chart or fact doesn’t reinforce your main message, leave it out. Every slide or visual should answer “Why does this matter?”

• Make it actionable: End with a specific recommendation, decision, or action item that flows directly from your key insight.

• Examples:

  • “Let’s double down on our top-performing region next quarter.”

  • “I recommend we invest more in the strategy that drove this growth.”

  • “Our next step is to share these results with the wider team and set new targets.”

• Why it matters: This turns your data into a catalyst for progress. It shows leadership by guiding your audience toward what to do next, not just what happened.

By consistently applying this approach, you’ll make your updates sharper, your meetings more productive, and your influence as a data leader much stronger. This is how you move from simply reporting numbers to driving real business impact.

Practical Takeaways

Here’s a quick checklist for your next big update:

Take a project you’ve worked on. Turn it into a story: start with the “so what?” and then explain the data. Follow the steps we have set out - See how much more your audience pays attention!

Computers can crunch numbers, but only you can make data meaningful. That’s your super skill and it’s what makes you stand out as a future leader.

Storytelling isn’t just a way to share information; it’s how you earn trust, influence, and make a big impact.

What’s your best data storytelling win or challenge? Hit reply and let’s learn from each other. And don’t miss next week’s Ladder, where we’ll unlock another awesome leadership skill!

Best,

Tom.