3 Reporting Mistakes You’re Making

When it comes to business reporting, there are three common mistakes I see time and time again. These issues waste time, bury insights, and make it harder for teams to focus on what really matters. Here’s how to avoid them.

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1. Failing to Visualise Data

One of the most common mistakes is not using visuals to represent data. Too often, businesses rely solely on spreadsheets—endless tables of numbers that are detailed but overwhelming.

Without visuals like charts or graphs, spotting trends and changes becomes a mental exercise. You’re left jumping from cell A to B to C, trying to piece together the bigger picture. Visualisation isn’t just about making data look good; it’s about making it usable. When data is easy to interpret at a glance, teams can act on it faster.

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2. Endless Spreadsheets, No Dashboards

Another major pitfall is relying on endless spreadsheets without a summarised dashboard. Spreadsheets from different teams can vary in structure, accuracy, and detail, making it tough for managers to piece together a coherent story.

Executives end up spending hours digging through rows of data, trying to figure out what’s happening. Instead of starting with clear, high-level numbers—like the 2–3 key metrics that matter most—they’re bogged down in unnecessary detail. A good dashboard pulls everything together into one streamlined view, giving a snapshot of performance while saving time.

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3. Ignoring Trend Analysis

The third mistake is skipping meaningful trend analysis. It’s not enough to track revenue month-to-month or compare costs from one period to the next. You need to look at the bigger picture.

Is revenue consistently trending upward, or did you just have a one-off strong month? Are costs creeping up in a way that could signal trouble? Identifying these patterns early allows your team to take proactive action. A good trend analysis shows where your business is heading, not just where it’s been.

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The Takeaway:

Avoiding these mistakes doesn’t just make your reports better—it makes your business smarter. Focus on visualising data, creating summarised dashboards, and analysing trends to turn your reporting from a chore into a competitive advantage.

By simplifying your approach, you’ll spend less time sifting through data and more time making decisions that drive your business forward.