In today’s fast-paced data-driven world, top analysts understand that technical skills alone won’t guarantee success. It’s not just about crunching numbers or designing sophisticated dashboards—it’s about forging strong relationships and instilling confidence in stakeholders.
The Challenge of Stakeholder Collaboration
Let’s be honest: working with stakeholders isn’t always smooth sailing. When collaboration falters, frustrations mount on both sides. Stakeholders may approach analysts with vague, poorly defined requests that, without refinement, lead to rework and dissatisfaction. Some treat analysts as "data vending machines," expecting instant answers with minimal context. Others leave analysts out of key discussions, bringing them in only at the last minute to fix issues or deliver rushed reports.
This dynamic can be discouraging. Analysts may feel excluded from decision-making, undervalued for their expertise, and reduced to transactional roles—generating numbers without insight into how their work influences outcomes. Over time, this can diminish job satisfaction, making analysts feel disconnected from the organisation's broader goals.
Why Credibility and Trust (CRUST!) Matter
When communication breaks down and stakeholders work in silos, everyone loses. Stakeholders perceive delays or misaligned outputs, while analysts feel overworked and unable to contribute strategically. While it may seem like stakeholders are being uncooperative, the reality is that trust and credibility (CRUST) must be established before stakeholders feel comfortable investing in an analyst’s process—even though the analyst’s goal is ultimately to help them.
Without CRUST, stakeholders may:
Send prescriptive briefs with no prior consultation.
Make vague or last-minute requests.
Exclude analysts from critical conversations.
Deliver outcomes without sharing results, leaving analysts in the dark.
These behaviours create roadblocks to effective collaboration. However, by building credibility and trust, analysts can shift perceptions and develop stronger partnerships—ones that serve stakeholder needs more effectively while also enhancing job satisfaction and productivity.
How to Build CRUST and Strengthen Stakeholder Relationships
Earning Crust doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent behaviour, proactive communication, and a strategic approach to stakeholder engagement. Here are three practical ways to “tame” stakeholders and develop CRUST:
1. Focus on Stakeholder Needs, Not Just Requests
Stakeholders may present requests that are prescriptive and lack clear analytical direction. Sometimes, they struggle to articulate their needs in a structured way. If analysts act on these requests without further dialogue, they risk making incorrect assumptions, leading to rework and frustration for both the analyst and the stakeholder..
To prevent this, analysts must initiate discussions that uncover the real needs behind stated wants.
Effective communication is essential and a proactive approach minimises wasted effort while demonstrating an analyst’s commitment to delivering value.
2. Establish Authority in Your Expertise
Stakeholders trust analysts who project confidence and expertise. Research by renowned psychologist Dr. Robert Cialdini highlights that perceived expertise increases trust and influence. Analysts who position themselves as knowledgeable advisors gain greater stakeholder engagement and credibility.
By actively demonstrating authority, analysts move from being seen as report generators to trusted partners in decision-making.
3. Don’t Just Provide Data—Tell the Story
Numbers alone don’t drive decisions—compelling narratives do. Analysts with CRUST bridge the gap between data and action by translating complex findings into clear, engaging stories that resonate with stakeholders. This does not come easily to a lot of analysts - in my experience of running workshops this is one of the areas analysts have most difficulty.
By framing data within a compelling narrative, analysts ensure their work drives action rather than getting lost in spreadsheets.
The Payoff: Innovation, Impact, and Influence
Adopting a consultative approach benefits both analysts and stakeholders. When analysts build CRUST, they gain greater inclusion in strategic discussions, a stronger sense of purpose, and the ability to influence business decisions. They evolve from passive data providers to strategic advisors, contributing meaningfully to their organisation’s success.
For stakeholders, the benefits are equally significant. Strong relationships with analysts lead to clearer insights, better problem-solving, and improved decision-making. When trust is established, stakeholders engage analysts earlier, provide better context, and recognise the strategic value they bring.
Ultimately, CRUST creates a virtuous cycle: better collaboration leads to better results, which fosters more trust and credibility, further strengthening the partnership. Analysts become indispensable decision-makers, delivering measurable impact and finding greater fulfillment in their roles.
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