Startup
How modern dashboards drive informed CXO decisions
Despite substantial organisational investments, business leaders often seem to be dragging their feet while pushing widespread adoption of business intelligence (BI) and analytics within their teams. This reluctance to leverage data insights for informed decision-making stems from several factors.
Traditional data analysis relied heavily on IT support and data analysts. This dependency causes delayed delivery of critical insights to functional teams, severely inhibiting their ability to respond quickly to changing business situations. Reliance on analysts for providing reports also limits data exploration capabilities to unearth deeper intelligence into the dynamics of business and market forces.
Self-service analytics aims to change this. It democratises data access and empowers CXOs and their teams to analyze data independently without needing the constant assistance of IT or data analysts. With user-friendly interfaces and intuitive drag-and-drop functionalities, self-service analytics reduces the need for deep technical knowledge.
Leaders can navigate and interpret data autonomously. This independence fosters data exploration, enabling decision-making with actionable insights derived from the real-time data.
New-age dashboards
Traditionally, dashboards have been the interface through which functional heads access, interpret and utilise data. Interactive and modern visualisations transform complex datasets into easily understandable insights. Pre-defined metrics provide CXOs with a quick snapshot of key indicators at a glance along with an overview of organisational health and performance.
With dashboards, business leaders can track progress toward strategic goals and identify areas for improvement, enabling them to steer their team with informed choices. When dashboards integrate real-time data, they become even more powerful, having the most updated information on market conditions and customer behavior.
Modern BI dashboards use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and generative AI (GenAI) to power advanced data analytics and discern complex patterns and trends that may not be apparent with traditional methods. AI and ML add predictive capabilities to forecast future market behavior and anticipate customer actions with greater accuracy. These insights are useful for strategic planning and to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
GenAI converts static reports to dynamic data visualizations with compelling narrations. Leaders can explore different market scenarios to gain richer insights and a better appreciation of the competitive forces at work. Storytelling with data develops clearer business sense and aligns stakeholder perceptions.
Enhancements with self-service features
Dashboards are pre-built by analysts to alleviate their workloads. They serve as a valuable interface streamlining data analysis, saving technicians time and effort. However, these dashboards are designed with a broad audience in mind, covering general metrics and KPIs relevant to the organization as a whole. No wonder they often fall short to meet the focused needs of individual business managers and teams.
When self-service analytics is integrated within modern dashboards, these limitations are surmounted and additional benefits emerge, transitioning how organizations interact with data. Information can now be tailored to the specific needs of each business manager, team or staff. They can customise their dashboards according to their unique preferences and objectives.
Personalised dashboards can display relevant KPIs and metrics for each team, and visualisations align with their specific roles and responsibilities. Insights are thus uniquely pertinent for their decision-making processes. Users can also experiment with different metrics, visualisations and analytical techniques, refining their understanding of the data. The continuous experimentation, iteration and customisation keep improving the data analysis capabilities and user trust in data insights.
Designing self-service dashboards
A meticulous approach is required to build high-performance and effective self-service dashboards, based on user needs, data quality, governance and security.
Listing the key questions and metrics most relevant to each functional leader’s role should be the first step in design. Prioritising clarity and navigation allows CXOs to quickly locate and interpret the information they need.
Drill-down functionalities are critical to enable deeper analysis when necessary, allowing exploration of underlying data to uncover valuable insights. A hierarchical exploration of information empowers users to extract hidden patterns that can underline strategic actions. Deeper data exploration not only helps understand complex datasets but also fosters an enterprise-wide data-driven culture.
Regular data maintenance and integrity validation of data sources are vital to building and sustaining trust in the information presented by the dashboards. These processes keep the data up-to-date, consistent and free from manual errors to reinforce confidence in its integrity and enhance transparency in insights generated.
Dashboards may contain sensitive information. Stringent security measures can help protect it from any probable risks or vulnerabilities. For example, users can have necessary access relevant to their job requirements and roles, safeguarding the data against unauthorized access or data breaches. Regular security audits help identify and address any system vulnerabilities.
In the future
The integration of advanced technologies along with self-service data analytics holds immense potential for modern enterprises. These tools work synergistically to provide CXOs with a comprehensive data analysis experience, enabling them to uncover multi-dimensional business insights.
Advanced AI/ML features further enhance the interface with business-oriented, codeless data exploration. CXOs can interact with data using natural language queries, making the analysis process simpler, intuitive and efficient. They can anticipate and mitigate risks effectively with real-time scenario simulations with AI exploring multiple potential business outcomes.
Mobile accessibility promises dashboard access on the go, anytime and anywhere. Business leaders can stay informed, monitor performance, make decisions and take action swiftly, responding to emerging situations. The increased agility and responsiveness can enhance the organisation’s competitiveness and adaptability in today’s highly dynamic marketplace.
As new technical applications emerge, their integration with self-service analytics is making data work for everyone and with remarkable ease.
Anurag Sanghai, Principal Solution Architect, Intellicus Technologies
Startup
Ola Electric’s Q2 loss narrows as revenue jumps 40%
‘s net loss narrowed in the second quarter of the current financial year (FY25) as the Bhavish Aggarwal-led EV maker reported a 39% jump in sales.
Ola Electric reported a net loss of Rs 495 crore for the July-September quarter, down from Rs 524 crore in the year-ago period. The company’s revenue from operations jumped to Rs 1,214 crore in Q2 from Rs 873 crore a year earlier.
However, on a quarterly basis, Ola Electric’s loss widened from Rs 324 crore in the April-June quarter. The company’s sales declined from Rs 1,644 crore in the previous quarter.
The results come days after the EV-maker’s share price fell below its listing price, two months after the company listed on Indian stock exchanges. On Friday, Ola Electric’s share price closed at Rs 72.67 apiece, down 2.53%. Ola Electric got listed on India’s stock exchanges on August 9 at Rs 76 per share. The company had hit an all-time high of Rs 157.40 apiece.
Ola Electric, currently the market leader in the E2W segment, has also come under intense scrutiny over rising consumer complaints pertaining to its vehicles. In October, the company received a show cause notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) seeking alleged violations of consumer rights, misleading advertising, and unfair trade practices.
The company, in a BSE filing on October 22, said it has provided all requested information and clarification sought by the consumer watchdog. Additionally, Ola Electric said it resolved 99.1% out of 10,644 complaints it received from the CCPA.
The SoftBank Group-backed firm has since doubled down on expanding its service centers and hiring service technicians to help streamline operations and clear backlogs.
Startup
Workplace boundaries: 5 things not to share with coworkers
In today’s workplace, building relationships and open communication are highly encouraged. A collaborative environment can foster trust, creativity, and productivity among colleagues. However, there is a fine line between being friendly and sharing too much. Revealing certain personal information to your coworkers can blur professional boundaries and even affect your career negatively. In a world where first impressions and professionalism matter, knowing what to keep private is crucial to maintaining respect and credibility.
This guide highlights five essential things you should never share with colleagues. From sensitive financial details to personal beliefs, these are boundaries that every professional should respect for the sake of both personal privacy and workplace harmony.
1. Financial information
Discussing your financial situation at work—whether it’s your salary, debts, or even that new loan you’ve taken out—can lead to misunderstandings, envy, or resentment. Salary disparities, in particular, are a sensitive topic and can create friction in the workplace if colleagues perceive unfairness. Moreover, sharing details about your finances could unintentionally set you up for gossip or judgment from others, which could alter their view of your professionalism. If you’re asked directly, a polite but firm response, such as “I prefer not to discuss personal finances,” can help maintain boundaries.
2. Political and religious beliefs
In an era of heightened political polarisation and strong opinions on various social issues, discussing your political or religious beliefs at work can be risky. Even casual remarks can lead to disagreements and, in worst cases, workplace conflicts. This doesn’t mean you should hide your identity, but it’s wise to avoid diving into discussions that might alienate or offend others. Maintaining a neutral stance on sensitive topics can help create a respectful, inclusive work environment.
3. Personal health issues
Your health is deeply personal, and sharing too much about any physical or mental health challenges can lead to unintended consequences. While close friends may share personal health information, colleagues don’t need to know the specifics of your medical history. Revealing health information might result in unwanted sympathy, awkwardness, or even doubt about your ability to perform your job effectively.
4. Negative opinions about colleagues or management
It might feel cathartic to vent about a difficult coworker or a strict manager, but sharing these thoughts with other colleagues can easily backfire. Not only can it damage your reputation, but it could also harm your professional relationships if your words get back to the person in question. Criticising team members or managers can make you seem untrustworthy or negative, both of which can hinder your career progression. Maintaining a neutral or positive stance will reflect professionalism and emotional maturity.
5. Ambitions for a new job or career move
Sharing your plans to apply for a new job or change careers might seem harmless, but it could shift how your colleagues or managers view your commitment. If your supervisor learns that you’re planning to leave, it could lead to fewer opportunities or even less favourable treatment as they prepare for your departure. To protect your current position, focus on your work, and wait to share the news until you’re ready to make a formal exit.
Conclusion
In a professional setting, boundaries are essential for a healthy work environment. While sharing parts of your personal life can help build connections, knowing where to draw the line is equally important. By keeping your financial matters, health concerns, personal beliefs, and career ambitions private, you’ll be better able to maintain a positive reputation, foster respectful relationships, and ultimately advance your career without unnecessary complications.
Remember, in the workplace, less can often be more. Protect your privacy, and you’ll find it easier to focus on what truly matters—your professional growth and contributions.
Startup
Taming the restless ‘Monkey Mind’: 6 signs and calming tips
Do you ever feel as if your thoughts are racing, jumping from one idea to the next without pause? This restless state of mind, commonly known as the “monkey mind,” can leave you feeling overwhelmed, distracted, and unable to focus. Imagine a monkey swinging from branch to branch—never still, always moving. The monkey mind does something similar, dragging your attention in multiple directions at once. In a world filled with constant notifications, endless tasks, and overstimulation, it’s no wonder our minds are often buzzing with a mix of unfinished thoughts, worries, and ideas.
Recognising and managing a monkey mind can be a game-changer for mental clarity, productivity, and peace. In this article, we’ll dive into six telltale signs of a monkey mind and explore proven strategies to calm it down and regain focus.
6 Telltale signs of a monkey mind
1. Constant overthinking
A classic sign of a monkey mind is constant overthinking. You may find yourself analysing every detail, reliving past conversations, or stressing over hypothetical situations that may never happen. This mental loop can keep you from moving forward or making decisions, trapping you in a cycle of what-ifs.
Try to channel overthinking into action by setting a time limit for worrying or planning, and then move on. Journaling can also help you process your thoughts and release them from your mind. Practicing mindfulness by focusing on what you’re doing right now can redirect your attention away from endless what-ifs.
2. Difficulty focusing on a task
If you find yourself switching tasks frequently, unable to concentrate on one thing for long, it’s a clear sign your mind may be restless. The monkey mind is easily distracted, often drawn to anything that promises novelty or instant gratification.
Implementing techniques like the Pomodoro Method—where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break—can improve focus. Create a designated workspace, eliminate distractions, and try using noise-cancelling headphones or listening to concentration-friendly music to help you stay on task.
3. Procrastination and avoidance
A monkey mind often leads to procrastination, especially when faced with big or daunting tasks. The mind can become overwhelmed by the task’s complexity, prompting you to avoid it entirely and instead focus on smaller, less important activities.
Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them feel less overwhelming. Set a specific goal for each work session, even if it’s just to complete a small portion. Reward yourself for each accomplishment, no matter how small, to keep your momentum going.
4. Heightened anxiety or stress
With the mind constantly jumping from one thought to another, stress and anxiety levels can increase. A monkey mind often dwells on worst-case scenarios and hypothetical fears, causing a continuous cycle of worry and tension.
Incorporate regular deep-breathing exercises or meditation into your day. Slow, mindful breathing can help activate the body’s relaxation response, lowering stress levels and bringing a sense of calm. For some, a quick physical reset—such as stretching or walking—can break the anxiety loop and help you feel grounded.
5. Trouble sleeping
If your mind feels like it’s in overdrive at night, it could be because of a monkey mind. Endless thoughts and worries can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leaving you feeling exhausted the next day.
Establish a calming bedtime routine to signal your mind and body that it’s time to wind down. Avoid screens at least an hour before bed, and consider listening to a guided meditation or calming sounds to lull your mind into relaxation mode. Journaling before bed can also help you clear your mind by putting your thoughts on paper.
6. Feeling constantly distracted
A monkey’s mind craves stimulation and often finds it challenging to stay present. You may find yourself constantly checking your phone, seeking out new content, or even daydreaming when you should be focused on a task at hand.
Practice “mindful breaks” during your day—short intervals where you put down your devices, observe your surroundings and ground yourself in the present. Limiting the number of things you try to multitask can help, too. Start by giving your full attention to one task, and slowly build your focus endurance from there.
Conclusion
Our minds are naturally curious, and having occasional restless thoughts is normal. However, when the monkey mind takes over, it can disrupt our peace, productivity, and well-being. Recognising the signs of a monkey mind and incorporating calming strategies—like mindfulness, structured work sessions, and relaxation techniques—can help you regain control over your mental landscape. The next time you find your mind swinging wildly, try one of these calming techniques to bring yourself back to a state of balance and clarity.
By making mindfulness a habit and addressing the monkey mind head-on, you’ll be able to cultivate a deeper sense of peace, focus, and contentment in your daily life.
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