Challenges of Dashboards

While Dashboards offer numerous benefits, they also present challenges and considerations for an ExO. Some of the challenges include:

• Metrics overload. A Dashboard with too many metrics can be as challenging as a Dashboard with too few. It’s critical to pay attention to the most important—typically less than a dozen— top-level numbers at first glance and then be able to drill into greater specifics as needed. In other words, it’s crucial to track the right metrics and not too many in order to avoid a glut of superfluous data.

• Vanity metrics. It’s easy to default to using vanity metrics instead of real value metrics, which can give the illusion of growth and success.

• Data validity. Can you rely on the validity of data, and what are your sources? How do you get real-time, up-to-date data to populate your Dashboard?

• Experimentation. How will you identify and run experiments to get the data you need?

• Frequent updates. ExOs need to update Dashboards frequently, especially before data collection and visualization are fully automated.

Dealing with uncomfortable data. Can you act ruthlessly on the data you receive, especially if and when it goes against expectations? Corporate culture acceptance and wise use of Dashboards can also be a challenge for ExOs.