Hi ,
Many years ago, as a novice data scientist, I'd make the rounds to stakeholders offering my help.
When they said yes, I'd then meticulous notes, like a waitress capturing an
order. Then I'd disappear for weeks to build their solution, focussing on delivering exactly what they asked for.
Yet, time and again, I'd return proudly with my work, only to hear: "This isn't what I need."
What my stakeholders said they wanted and what they really
needed were two entirely different things.
The scenario of stakeholders who can't articulate their true needs is a frustration for all data scientists - and makes creating business value nearly impossible.
However, this is precisely the challenge Bill Shander
addresses in his new book Stakeholder Whispering.
In the latest episode of Value Driven Data Science, Bill reveals his methodology for transforming technical professionals from order-takers into strategic partners who uncover and address true business needs.
This conversation reveals:
- Why stakeholders struggle to articulate what they truly need (and often don't even know themselves).
- How the "Socratic method" creates breakthrough moments that help stakeholders discover their own requirements.
- The six-question framework that strategically alternates between divergent and convergent thinking to reveal hidden needs.
- Why approaching stakeholder conversations like a curious investigator rather than a cross-examiner builds trust and uncovers deeper insights.
Stop being a data waiter or waitress, and start being a stakeholder whisperer.
Listen now
on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or click the link below:
Episode 64: Stop Being a Data Waiter and Start Stakeholder Whispering
Talk again soon,
Dr Genevieve Hayes.
