My regular reader(s) will probably know that I’m a fan of the Guardian newspaper and its on-line efforts. It does a fine job with data, both in terms of sourcing it and visualizing it. Have a look at the website and data blog here. I’ve also ranted about the need for more numeracy in HR on a number of occasions. This post will be more of the same.
Leading newspapers are making effective use of visualization today. As an example, the US treasury bond ownership graphic is far more impactful than a simple listing.
It goes deeper than just a nice graph though, at a recent lecture at Leeds Trinity College, Guardian Data Blog editor Simon Rogers presented with Tim Berners-Lee about data journalism.
Data journalism involves visualising or scrutinising often complex amounts of statistical information.
TBL had this to say.
"Journalists need to be data-savvy. It used to be that you would get stories by chatting to people in bars, and it still might be that you’ll do it that way some times.
"But now it’s also going to be about poring over data and equipping yourself with the tools to analyse it and picking out what’s interesting. And keeping it in perspective, helping people out by really seeing where it all fits together, and what’s going on in the country."
It seems to me that most professions could do with a solid dose of data visualization and the accompanying scrutiny. I’m not talking here about expensive tools, but about the love of data, and the joy of finding stuff out, getting stuck into the numbers.
I’ve given a couple of lectures on HR topics, and I’ve been hammering home on the analytics topic, but I think next time, I’ll bring some more data visualization to the party. I strongly believe that we need to see more focus on data visualization across all areas of business, but the HR department needs serious help.
I was pleased to read that Google came up with its 8 rules of management. At first sight they seem a typical list that one would find in any airport management book, but they are rooted in an empirical study. Google has built its business on analysing data, so it is not surprising that they decided to root around in their own HR data. I do wish more HR departments would fall in love with data.
I think it is possible to be “people-centric” and “data driven” at the same time. Using numbers to inform decisions and drive buy in isn’t treasonable.
Vendorprisey 