Visualizing Data

There are so many beautiful ways to look at data, and the best of them paint a picture the numbers alone might not show so readily. From classics such as Snow’s cholera map or Minard’s Napoleon map, to your basic spreadsheet charts, entire specialties are devoted to depicting information in a useful way. So what can you do? If you are making charts from your data, make them better. If you are the consumer, demand better. And what should you demand? Start with clear labels, appropriate scales, and most importantly, a simplicity that doesn’t make you have to sit there and study the graphic to understand it. If your consultant or in-house analyst has to explain anything about a chart to you, they have failed at effectively visualizing data and information. So start simple, and don’t be afraid to be basic. In this case, it’s a good thing!

Chuck McDanal

Chuck McDanal is the owner of StudioC and has more than 25 years of experience in a range of roles, from managing an IT department to working as an editor; from directing a large operation to leading an internet startup and creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit from the ground up. He has extensive experience in process improvement, data analytics, coaching, mentoring, facilitation, strategic planning, managing and leading. Chuck also is a Certified Analytics Professional, an RRCA-certified running coach, has a certificate from the Wharton School in Business Analytics, is a Six Sigma Black Belt, and is a professional coffee roaster. He has served on multiple community boards and organizations, which currently includes the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra and Lakeland Vision. He is a graduate of Leadership Lakeland and Leadership Polk, and was Chair-elect of Leadership Lakeland Class 36 and Chair of Class 37. Chuck was named 2020 Businessman of the Year by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. He recently published a book called “Human Training,” which is available on Amazon and through other resellers.

On the Radio!

Sat down with Julie Townsend from the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) and shared about getting this wonderful 100-year-old space Downtown ready for business and about the work we do here. Had a blast being on this show and I loved to be able to talk about our Downtown. It’s such a special place. Check…

‘Tis the Season

Many of you deal with seasonality in your data. Maybe it’s busier in the months when snowbirds are here or slower when everyone is vacationing in the summer. If you’re like many others, you are smart enough to avoid comparing consecutive months because of this variation, and often all you can do is look at…

Radio Interview About Leadership & Data

Had the opportunity to talk about leadership, optimization, and data on WLKF recently. My favorites things!

Chuck named Interim President & CEO of the Lakeland Chamber

Chuck steps in to take the helm while the search committee works to find a great leader for this important organization. Although a little longer than most of the organizational work he does, it’s a perfect place to do the work he loves. Read the story here in The Ledger

Why Numbers

An absurd thing in my collection of absurd things is a retired safe from a bank ATM. I needed to move it to my new office, which meant rolling it down a ramp on a heavy-duty furniture dolly. Since I wasn’t sure how much weight I’d be holding back and whether it would crush me,…

Why Train?

Seems like an unnecessary question. But most of us know it’s not. When we have good people in our organizations, we love to see them do well and grow. So let’s take a minute to think about what WE are doing to foster that. Did you promote a shiny employee to a managerial role? How…

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