Dashboards 101

NOTE: This work was created in my professional capacity and is owned by my employer. Due to its proprietary nature, the artifact itself is not available for public viewing. The case study below tells the full story of the work.

THE BRIEF

Many leaders have access to dashboards but lack the confidence or framework to use them effectively. This video was created as part of a broader leadership curriculum to close that gap. The audience was organizational leadership, and the learning objective was to help leaders understand what dashboards are, how they differ from reports and spreadsheets, and how to use them as a consistent part of their decision-making rhythm, not just as data displays, but as leadership tools.

THE PROCESS

The script was written to build progressively, starting with a foundational definition, addressing common misconceptions, then moving into practical application. The sequencing was intentional, designed to meet leaders where they are and remove barriers before introducing new behaviors. The module was produced primarily in PowerPoint, leveraging its accessibility and familiarity as a design and presentation tool to create a clean, professional visual learning experience that could be easily updated and distributed across the organization.

THE OUTCOME

Leaders who completed this module walked away with a clear mental model for what dashboards are and are not, a practical framework of four core elements and five guiding questions to apply immediately, and a shift in how they think about data—from something technical and complex to something accessible and leadership-driven. The module was designed to reduce dashboard avoidance and increase confidence in data-informed decision-making across the organization.

SKILLS DEMONSTRATED

This project demonstrates strong instructional sequencing, building foundational knowledge to application in a way that respects the learner’s existing context. The use of analogy, myth-busting, and a clear before-during-after leadership framework reflects an understanding of adult learning principles and how to make complex concepts accessible. Producing a polished, multi-section learning module in PowerPoint also highlights the ability to create high-quality learning content using tools already available within most organizations.