Research is more than just delivering and 100 slide presentation deck to your client. Its about trying to bridge the divide between data and decision making through simple, concise and clear actions that can be embraced by all stakeholders.
This is easier said than done. However, there are some practical steps a reputable research partner can take to help speed up the adoption of research insights to deliver real transformation.
Stakeholders engage more deeply when they see themselves reflected in the research process. Here are 3 practical things you can do to get stakeholders to be part of the research journey, own the insights, and embrace action oreinted goal outcomes of the research investment.
- Start with the stakeholders and not the data
Its important to understand your stakeholders’ priorities as this will help point you towards what decisions are most likely to resonate with them. Understanding stakeholder concerns and pain points can also help you frame the right type of research questions that speak to issues and challenges that they deeply care about.
- Sell the story behind the numbers.
Communicating a clear narrative is more powerful than a 100-slide presentation deck full of charts and numbers. Humanizing data by using relatable examples, highlighting “AHA” moments and brining to the for human nuanced behaviors help create connection points that make the message in the data more memorable.
- Co-Create recommendations
Most researchers feel the pressure to deliver compelling recommendations to client without the depth of understanding or level of experience that clients and stakeholders often have. Allowing stakeholders to challenge or validate findings based on their experience or expertise can shift engagement from passive acceptance to active collaboration.
Building buy-in and ownership of research insights requires thoughtful actions from data design to insights delivery to ensure all actors engagement throughout every research touchpoint.
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