Do you often find yourself working in a coffee shop where it’s too loud for business calls?  Well, that is not a problem for me!  

I use Krisp on my Mac (also Windows).  It cancels background noise in meeting apps like Zoom.  You get 90 minutes FREE every day.

After a recent call, this popped up:  

I usually don’t pay attention to it, but something caught my eye.

It’s the only actionable number.  I talked 52% of the time.

What a great metric to know if the call went appropriately.  It doesn’t have to be 50/50.

On a sales call, the prospect should talk a lot.  On a team call, time should be more equal.  My number was 66% on the last call with the same person.

Unfortunately, 66% is similar to how we data practitioners often work.  

We are asked to take on a new project and the “customer” dispenses a long list of requirements.  The customer’s talk time can be upwards of 80%.

The problem is not the customer’s 80%, it’s how we use our 20%.

Typically, we ask a granular question, instead of asking about the big picture.  How will you know if all the requirements together creates the desired result?

Right now, I’m issuing a challenge to you.  Don’t wait for the next project.  If you don’t know the answer – ask ASAP.  Here’s what I want you to say:

“These requirements will really help plan the project.  I have a question.  When the project is complete, what will you be able to do that you can’t do today?”

There are many ways to phrase this.  Find what’s comfortable for you.

If you want to discuss your situation or need a little encouragement, comment and let me know.

Best,
Lee
Rewriting How People See Data™