Key to communicating complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders is the ability to simplify the message without distorting the meaning of what the numbers mean. A technique that has served me exceptionally well is storytelling. Humans relate to stories, not spreadsheets, so I always wrap financial data in a broader context that relates to their goals or fears.
For instance, during a recent budget meeting with a program development team, the first run of financial projections—if you can even call them that—was rife with detailed charts and technical jargon, overwhelming and disengaging the team. I understood this, so I restructured the conversation. Instead of pitching numbers, I pitched the story: how the financial strategy would support their desired goal of growing outreach services while working within a meaningful budget. I created visuals and mapped out with a basic flowchart how the money would flow between departments, making sure that every number was connected to an outcome that mattered to them.
This approach turned abstract numbers into tangible results. For instance, I explained that a 10-percent reallocation of funding toward staff training could lead to a projected 20-percent improvement in client retention, which was one of their primary objectives. The team engaged with the discussion because they saw how the financial plan translated into their priorities.
To make this process work, I rely on a few actionable strategies:
1. Start with the "why" behind the data. Explain what the numbers mean in terms of impact or goals.
2. Use visuals sparingly but effectively, focusing on clarity. Graphs, charts, or even color-coded tables can simplify complex data.
3. Avoid jargon and replace technical terms with relatable language. Instead of saying EBITDA, for example, describe it as the "profitability measure after accounting for major expenses."
These techniques promote engagement while not viewing financial information as useless to less active finance stakeholders. It's about developing that understanding and alignment so that the numbers are viewed as a vehicle for reaching common objectives. This way of telling stories helps both communication and trust among teams.
