3 Questions You Should Ask Before Requesting or Generating a Report

Ah, the ever-present request for a report. As a businessperson, it’s a request you’ve undoubtedly made (or received) countless times. I have even been asked to produce a report about a report. But before you ask for yet another report, there are three questions you should ask yourself to ensure you’re not wasting your time (or someone else’s). And trust me, the questions are more fun than poring over pages of data!

Question 1: “Will this report actually tell me something I don’t already know?”

Let’s face it, we all love feeling like we’re in the know. But if you’re asking for a report that simply confirms what you already know, you’re just wasting everyone’s time. So, before you ask for that report on sales figures or customer demographics, ask yourself if it will actually provide you with new insights. If not, skip the report and spend your time on something more productive like communicating with clients, brainstorming new ideas, or problem-solving with staff and team members. (or just browse memes on social media).

Question 2: “Can I get this information differently, more efficiently?”

Sure, reports are great and all, but sometimes they’re not the most efficient way to get the information you need. For example, if you’re looking for a quick snapshot of how your social media channels are performing, you might be better off checking your analytics dashboard than asking for a full-blown report. So, before you ask for a report, consider if there’s a quicker or more efficient way to get the information you need.

Question 3: “Do I really need this information right now?”

We’ve all been guilty of asking for reports just because we think we should be asking for them. But if you don’t actually need the information right now, why waste someone’s time creating a report that will just sit on your desk gathering dust? So, before you make that request, ask yourself if you truly need the information at this moment. If not, hold off and ask for the report later when it will be more useful.

So, there you have it: three questions to ask yourself before you ask for a report. By taking a few moments to consider these questions, you’ll save yourself (and others) time and energy, and you’ll be one step closer to being the most efficient and effective businessperson you can be.