Do you have data that you’ve never really used because you just haven’t had time? Or you used it in one way, but know you could answer even more questions? For example, you’ve given trainings or facilitated groups several times, briefly reviewed any surveys you’ve collected, but never looked at the results over time. Here are three simple tips for getting more meaning out of your data in the context of your day-to-day work.

1. Turn an already scheduled meeting into a “data party”. Break staff or volunteers into groups of three or four, giving each group a set of data. Have the groups use markers, poster board, highlighter, or other tools to illustrate what story the data tells them. Have the groups tell their story back to the larger group.

2. After you’ve reviewed data – either in a group as described above, or on your own – spend some time reflecting. What conclusions can you draw from the data? Are any more actions needed? You can reflect in a journal, together on a board, or in a web-based forum. I use OneNote as a journal and record my thoughts - which then turns into a to-do list!

3. Do you have any questions still remaining? Can they be answered with what you have, or do you have to gather more data? Work with the group or individually to determine what else you want to learn. Write down questions, possible ways of answering them, and 2-3 steps to get you from questions to answers.

The notion that data analysis is an individual activity is not always the case.  Rich analysis can be found by a group of people given specific tasks for looking at data.  Make the most of your data by analyzing it as collaborative effort.