People analytics: the realm of data-savvy introverts or master communicators? In our people analytics series, eqtble discussed this intriguing question with Stephanie Murphy, Ph.D, revealing the surprising importance of soft skills in a field often thought to be solely about crunching numbers.

Emphasizing Soft Skills and the Art of Storytelling

Stephanie is a firm believer that the capacity to extract insights and construct a compelling narrative holds more weight than possessing robust technical skills. She elaborates, "it's more so, can you derive insights and build a story... what we need is people that can take that analytics and elevate it to something we can present to our leaders." Stephanie suggests that professionals who can empathize with their audience, adapt their communication style, and deliver complex information in an engaging manner will excel in people analytics.

The Impact of Technology on People Analytics

The emergence of technology in the people analytics sphere has resulted in a plethora of software and tools designed for data analysis. Stephanie highlights that "there's plenty of software out there that allow us to get the data done," which empowers professionals to concentrate on developing insights and fostering action based on the data. She adds that while technical proficiency is necessary, the ability to use technology to transform data into meaningful stories and actionable insights is what sets successful professionals apart.

Sifting Through Data and Discovering Valuable Insights

People analytics professionals must be skilled at navigating vast quantities of data to pinpoint meaningful insights. As Stephanie articulates, they need to be "exceptionally proficient at combing through all the numbers, uncovering the insights, and effectively presenting a story." She emphasizes the importance of being both detail-oriented and capable of recognizing patterns and trends, as well as having a keen sense of curiosity to ask the right questions and explore deeper.

Addressing Business Needs and Inspiring Action

Stephanie asserts that the primary objective of people analytics professionals should be to address the requirements of their businesses and inspire action grounded in the data. This can be realized by concentrating on "formulating the insights, tailoring it to our businesses, and genuinely driving action from those findings." Stephanie stresses the significance of understanding the organization's strategic objectives and aligning analytics efforts to support those goals, which requires strong collaboration and relationship-building skills to effectively partner with stakeholders.

Conclusion: The Significance of Soft Skills in People Analytics

In summary, Stephanie Murphy underscores the critical role of soft skills over technical expertise in the realm of people analytics. As technology continues to progress, professionals should give precedence to extracting insights from data, creating captivating stories, and propelling action within their organizations. By honing these essential soft skills, people analytics professionals can better serve their businesses and become invaluable catalysts for data-driven decision-making, ultimately contributing to the organization's overall success.

Connect with Stephanie Murphy.