In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Keith Goode about how leaders can leverage people/HR data more effectively. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Keith discussed the challenges organizations face in effectively leveraging people data and analytics, emphasizing the need for better data management and interpretation. They also discussed the importance of starting simple and building a solid foundation for effective data-driven decision making, and the potential of large data sets and AI in providing insights and driving business outcomes. The conversation concluded with the importance of storytelling with data and the potential for growth in their respective fields.
Addressing People Data and Analytics Challenges
Jonathan and Keith discussed the challenges organizations face in effectively leveraging people data and analytics. They highlighted the issue of data silos in HR systems and the need for better data management and interpretation. They agreed on the need for a deeper understanding and practical application of analytics to drive better decisions and transformation within organizations.
Leveraging Data in HR Organizations Challenges
Keith and Jonathan discussed the challenges and potential solutions for HR organizations in leveraging data more effectively. They agreed that HR organizations often lack the technical expertise to build data systems from scratch, and that vendor solutions may not always provide the specific metrics needed. They suggested that HR organizations should start by cleaning up their basic reporting and then work with business units to identify key metrics that can drive meaningful change. Jonathan emphasized the importance of starting simple and building trust with data before moving on to more impactful metrics.
Building a Solid Data Foundation for Decision Making
Jonathan and Keith discussed the importance of starting simple and building a solid foundation for effective data-driven decision making. They emphasized the need to identify and consolidate data from various sources, including historical systems, and cleanse and join them for a unified view. They also highlighted the importance of presenting data in a consistent manner, tailored to different audiences, and the potential for correlating HR data with other relevant data sources to drive better insights. The conversation concluded with the idea of aligning training with relevant outcomes, such as patient satisfaction or readmittance rates.
Building Data Analysis Culture and Mindset
Jonathan and Keith discussed the importance of starting with basic data analysis and gradually moving towards more sophisticated methods. Jonathan emphasized the value of building a culture and mindset around data analysis, which can lead to predictability and the ability to drive business outcomes. He also highlighted the potential of large data sets, such as those in medical or population data, to provide insights into future trends. Jonathan acknowledged that not all organizations have the necessary expertise or resources to conduct advanced data analysis, suggesting that outsourcing or partnering with specialized teams could be a viable solution.
Storytelling With Data for Impactful Collaboration
Jonathan and Keith discussed the importance of storytelling with data to drive impact in an organization. Jonathan emphasized the need to translate quantitative information into understandable stories for those without quantitative skills. Keith shared examples of how they've used data, such as headcount, productivity, and weather data, to create simple visualizations that encourage questions and collaboration. They agreed that this approach is effective but also acknowledged the need to evolve and improve their storytelling methods.
Exploring Large Language Models in AI
Keith introduced the concept of large language models in AI, specifically focusing on their ability to understand language, pictures, and sound. He discussed how these models can be used to analyze data and provide insights, such as understanding metadata and generating prompts for AI models. Keith also mentioned the potential of using AI to analyze data across a data fabric, which could help in creating effective employee records. Jonathan agreed with kgoode's points, highlighting the rapid development and accessibility of AI and large language models. Both agreed that while AI is a significant leap forward, it still requires human oversight and fact-checking.
Listen to the webinar here:
