Tom Critchlow

End users don’t ask for a dashboard because they really use them. They ask for them out of the need for a safety blanket that gives them the (incorrect) belief they will know everything they need to about their business. The noise of a dashboard can be comforting, but it can cause issues when it’s not truly needed (ask doctors about iatrogenic... See more

I'm convinced that because Joy knew every part of our business as well or better than almost anyone running them, she was one of those rare CFO's that can play offense in addition to defense. Almost every other CFO I've met hews close to the stereotype; always reigning in spending, urging more fiscal conservatism, casting a skeptical eye on any... See more

Good dashboards anticipate followups. A good dashboard says, "This dip, right here, which I know sticks out immediately? It was caused by our pricing change." A bad dashboard leaves the user wondering, "What happened then?" A good dashboard makes rates of change — week-over-week, year-over-year — immediately apparent. A bad dashboard leaves the... See more