10 Tips to Get Insights From Any Dataset
A thinking tool that transforms how your team works with numbers
Most professionals sit with data but struggle to see what matters.
They know how to create charts and use Excel, Qlik, Power BI or another tool. But when it is time to explain what changed, what is driving results, or where to focus, they hesitate. The data is there. The tools are open. But the insight is missing.
The issue is not skill. It is structure.
Roger Knocker developed this set of 10 tips after working with finance teams across industries who felt stuck. They were confident with the technology, but unsure how to think about data. They needed a reliable way to look at any report and find the story that matters.
These tips were built from real coaching sessions, real business needs, and real use cases. They work regardless of which tool you use, because they teach the habit of asking better questions.
The Framework Explained
This framework gives your team a repeatable way to find the signal in the noise.
Whether you are using Excel, Power BI, Qlik or another platform, these tips help you move from technical action to business clarity.
Here is a quick overview of the ten tips as shared in the brochure:
01
Focus On Value Drivers
Start with the question that matters most. Is your goal growth, speed, quality, or risk? Let your value driver shape your entire analysis.
02
Target Comparisons
Always compare actuals to targets. Variance analysis uncovers performance gaps and helps teams course-correct with clarity.
03
Monitor Growth
Measure increases or decreases between time equivalent periods. Whether monthly or yearly, this helps track momentum and guide decisions.
04
Track Trends
Analyse short and long-term patterns. Visualising change across time helps identify shifts before they become risks.
05
Rank and Sort Data
Present the most important items first. Ranking allows teams to focus attention where it counts.
06
Understand the Mix
Shifts in product, region, or customer mix can distort results. Understanding composition ensures accuracy in interpretation.
07
Make Comparisons
Comparing similar entities reveals performance differences. Whether it is two teams or two timeframes, comparisons tell powerful stories.
08
Leverage the 80/20 Rule
Focus on the few factors that drive most results. The Pareto Principle helps direct energy where it has the most impact.
09
Correlate Data
Look for relationships between variables. Correlation often reveals hidden insights and unexpected connections.
10
Analyse the Spread
Do not overlook median, mode, and range. Spread tells you if a number is typical or skewed, and helps prevent misleading conclusions.
Each tip is supported by visuals and practical examples inside the brochure, with charts, dashboards, and sample data views that bring the concepts to life.