Are Your Decisions Really Backed by Data? Here’s How to Know.

Don’t let dashboards fool you. Learn to spot when data misleads and how to act with confidence.

Author

Glenda Carnate
October 19, 2025

Read time: 2.5 minutes

Data science ruined my coffee break again. I was halfway through my latte when my boss looked at a dashboard and said, “Sales are up! Must be the new font we used!” I thought, “Correlation does not equal causation… but you do you.”

Early in my career, I created a deck that showed user activity had dropped due to weather. The dataset didn’t even include location data. From that moment, I learned that beautiful graphs do not equal proof.

Since then, I approach data differently. I focus on context, relevance, and actionable insight. Charts are not just for display... they guide decisions. I ensure that every metric I use tells a story that helps teams act confidently, rather than just looking impressive.

Here’s what the data shows:

  • 58% of leaders admit they make big decisions using inaccurate data (DevPro Journal, 2025).

Quick Action Rules:

  • Ask why multiple times. Dig into the reasoning behind each trend to ensure it makes sense.

  • Check multiple charts or sources. One graph rarely tells the full story, so cross-verify before acting.

  • Validate before making decisions. Ensure the data actually measures what it claims.

  • Trust your instincts but verify. If the pattern feels too neat, investigate further.

  • Communicate context clearly. Explain assumptions, limitations, and reasoning when presenting data to the team.

💡Key Takeaway: 

Great leaders don’t chase patterns. They chase context. Acting on correlation without understanding the underlying story can be costly, even if it appears convincing at first.

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