The importance of reviewing numbers and data

Many managers think that numbers are for the accountants or CFOs. They think managers should focus on management and leave the data analysis to others. There are many reasons why a manager can lack an interest in data: It can be fear, or a lack of understanding of what the numbers are supposed to represent or how the data should be read. It may also come from a lack of willingness to analyze the numbers, as the data may tell a different story than what the manager might think. Regardless of the reasons, managers must embrace their organization's data and must get into the habit of using it to make decisions. All of us have heard the saying "numbers don't lie" and they don't. Using numbers to make decisions will not only help managers make better decisions, but will help them understand why their decisions did, or did not, work out. Data may also guide the manager to make different decisions if the results and data suggest doing so. Using data helps managers track ongoing progress, so that they and their team can keep moving forward. Once managers get into the habit of understanding and using numbers to make decisions, they will begin to enjoy it. They will also be empowered to stand behind their decisions with more vigor, as they will have the numbers to back them up.