Lumen Impact Group
Lumen Impact Group

Data in Action: The Power of Turning Numbers into Narratives

Published: July 31, 2024

By Cori Egan, Junior Partner

“With great power comes great responsibility.” — This famous line from Spider-Man rings true not just for superheroes, but for organizations managing their data. At Lumen, we believe that with the right data, organizations can harness their power for continuous improvement and create lasting impact.

In our previous post, we talked about the importance of capturing both quantitative and qualitative data to get a full picture of an organization’s impact. But gathering data is just the beginning. The real magic happens when organizations learn how to use this data effectively.

The first step is to decide what data is important. Imagine your organization is a chef in a bustling kitchen. You wouldn’t throw every spice into the pot, right? You’d choose the ones that enhance the dish. Similarly, we help organizations determine which data points are the essential ingredients for their recipe for success. Whether it’s tracking student engagement metrics at a school or monitoring client satisfaction at a nonprofit, we ensure you’re not overwhelmed with data you don’t need. By focusing on the most impactful data, you save time and resources, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters and avoid getting bogged down by extra details.

Once you’ve got the right data, it’s time to engage your stakeholders. Picture the Avengers assembling—each hero brings unique strengths to the table. Engaging stakeholders with data is like calling in your team of superheroes. By sharing insights with teachers, board members, or employees, you increase buy-in and collaboration. When everyone sees the progress and understands where more work is needed, it fosters a united front for continuous improvement.

Then, consider how you might share your data externally with potential funders and partners. It’s like telling your organization’s story and using compelling data to showcase the real impact you’re having on people’s lives. These stories don’t just tug at heartstrings; they demonstrate tangible results and can secure the support needed to expand your reach. Additionally, sharing data externally builds transparency and trust with your community, enhances your organization’s credibility, and provides evidence of accountability. It also creates opportunities for collaboration with other organizations, driving innovation and amplifying your impact.

So, remember: with great power comes great responsibility. By choosing the right data to track, engaging your stakeholders, and sharing your story effectively, you can turn numbers into narratives and propel your organization forward. At Lumen, we’re here to help you navigate the waters and unlock the full potential of your data, one insightful stroke at a time.

Testimonials

"Lisa did a fantastic job with our entire strategic planning team. Her process was beyond organized. As a new administrator, I was able to lean on Lisa for her expertise and knowledge of strategic planning. She did everything from meeting organization and to facilitating subgroups, focus groups and staff culture surveys. Her work with the school board and administrative team was respectful, while also filled with appropriate advice and constructive feedback. I could not imagine going through this process without Lisa. She will continue to be a trusted resource for years to come."
Jamie DeWitt
School Leader, NexTech High School
"Lumen Impact Group has been critical in supporting Bluum’s efforts in Idaho to manage our $17.1 million federal Charter School Program grant. As one of the country’s first non-profit organizations to receive federal CSP funding, the stakes for our work are very high, and our efforts to help open, expand and replicate public charter schools face scrutiny. I sleep better knowing Lumen Impact Group has worked closely with us to build our processes, procedures and playbook for managing the responsibility of directing and overseeing a significant federal grant. I highly recommend them to others. They are true pros."
Terry Ryan
CEO, Bluum
"As a family-owned and operated company, we needed to preserve our culture and define our mission, vision and values better as we grew. Lumen Impact Group helped capture a variety of diverse perspectives and hopes for the future in a way that connected everyone involved. Lumen Impact Group helped us create a clear strategic focus and for our future stabilized our culture. Lisa also coached our leadership team in supporting implementation."
Mark Smith
President, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln
"Lisa Diaz and Lumen Impact provided invaluable support to Colorado Charter Facility Solutions during our start-up phase. I was the new non-profit organization’s executive director (and only employee at the time), and Lisa knew answers to questions that I did not even know to ask. She made sure the board of directors was set up correctly and that the organizational documents were in place. Lisa helped me establish the organization’s goals and ways to track progress. Lisa is organized, patient and kind, and worked quickly, thoroughly and collaboratively. She is a good listener and even acted as an executive coach/therapist at times. When necessary, Lisa can be direct, yet she is always focused on the goals of the organization and its success. I highly recommend Lisa Diaz and Lumen Impact Group. "
Jane Ellis
Executive Director, Colorado Charter Facility Solutions
"I have worked with Lumen Impact Group at both the individual and organizational level. As a coach, Lisa has a natural ability to get to the heart of the matter quickly and to ask questions that help her clients translate insight into action. Each team member who has worked with Lisa in a coaching capacity has demonstrated visible growth that has positively impacted individual and team performance. As an organization, we are trying to be purposeful about the culture we are creating, as a means of best fulfilling our mission. Lumen Impact Group has been a tremendous thought partner along the way and has facilitated critical steps in a collaborative yet efficient and fun way. Our team was in awe at how much we accomplished collectively in a short period of time. We are moving toward our ideal culture much more quickly than I thought possible, and I have no doubt it is because of Lumen Impact Group’s guidance. "
Kasey Miller
Chief of Staff, National Association of Charter School Authorizers