Dashboards for Decision-Makers

About this course

A dashboard is only useful if someone looks at it and acts on what it shows. This course helps you start with the decisions, choose a small set of meaningful metrics and lay them out so they can be scanned in seconds. You'll finish with a practical plan for reviewing whether the dashboard is actually being used.

What you will be able to do

• You'll be able to start a dashboard from the decisions it must support
• You'll be able to choose a small set of metrics that are clear, relevant and reliable
• You'll be able to lay out a dashboard so the most important information is seen first
• You'll be able to add targets and context and review how the dashboard is used

Course outline

1. Decisions First

   9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   The most common dashboard mistake is starting with the data. A useful dashboard begins with the decisions people make and works backwards to the information they need.
2. Choosing Metrics

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Good metrics are few, defined precisely and reliable enough to trust. Each metric should have an owner and a clear definition that everyone shares.
3. Layout for Quick Scanning

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   People glance at dashboards between meetings. Layout should put the most important number first, group related items and make the story obvious in a few seconds.
4. Adding Targets and Context

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   A number on its own rarely tells you whether to worry. Targets, prior periods and short notes give each figure meaning, so readers can judge the result quickly.
5. Reviewing Dashboard Use

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   A dashboard is a product that needs maintenance. Check who uses it, what they do with it and whether it is still relevant, then adjust or retire it.
6. Tools you'll need

   6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   You can build a useful dashboard in a spreadsheet, and dedicated tools add refresh, sharing and interactivity. Choose by audience, data source and who will maintain it.
7. Careers & next steps

   6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Dashboard skills lead to reporting, analytics and business intelligence roles. This lesson shows the typical paths and how to check what the work is worth.
8. Final quiz and certificate

   10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.