Decision-making in comms: What’s data got to do with it?

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#CuriousMoments with Advita

“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”

This quote by Alexander Den Heijer is always in front of my mind when I work on inclusive culture projects with clients.

It’s a reminder that when people are not able to bring their best selves to work, then there’s something not quite right in the organisation.

To understand what this means for communication and the part we play in all this, you have to unpick the data and figure out what it’s telling you.

What is does best self look like and how can communication help?

People often debate with me that accurate data can be a challenge to access, but I will always push back and ask them to check data points of existing things.

For example ????????

Are there specific demographics who are less engaged than others?

Are people off sick at certain times of the year?

Are the recent exits showing a pattern in the type of individual leaving?

Are safety incidents higher in one department over another?

Is there a correlation between performance and length of service?

Is there a pattern of behaviour on who receives recognition?

Separately these data points may not mean much, but together, you may find bias in how you communicate and the decisions that can stop people from blooming.

Let me know if there are any data points you use to help guide your decision-making.

 

Originally posted on LinkedIn, Follow me for more curious moments.

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Advita Patel

Advita Patel is the founder of CommsRebel, an award-winning internal communications consultancy. She helps organisations globally navigate change, strengthen workplace culture and create better
employee experiences through effective internal communications.

With more than two decades of experience in internal communications, Advita is a Chartered PR Practitioner, CIPR Fellow, qualified coach and Cultural Intelligence (CQ) certified facilitator. She works with leaders and internal communication teams to build confidence, strengthen their influence and communicate through change with greater clarity.

In 2025, Advita served as President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), becoming the first person of colour to hold the position in its 75-year history. She is also the award-winning, best-selling co-author of Building a Culture of Inclusivity and the author of Decoding Confidence: The Seven Habits of Confident Leaders.

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