What is a best practice for communicating DEI dashboards to executives?

• A. Present only raw data without context
• B. Tell a concise business case, highlight progress toward targets, show context with benchmarks, translate metrics into business impact, and outline concrete next steps; use visuals, dashboards, and executive summaries; link to strategy
• C. Use excessive technical jargon with no narrative
• D. Avoid linking metrics to strategy

Answer: (B)

Communicating DEI dashboards to executives is most effective when you present a concise business story that ties people metrics directly to strategy and outcomes. Start with a clear business case for why DEI matters for performance, then show progress toward targets and provide benchmarks to give context. Translate the metrics into business impact—how DEI affects recruitment and retention, productivity, innovation, customer experience, or financial performance—and outline concrete next steps that align with strategic priorities. Use visuals, dashboards, and an executive summary to keep the message accessible, and make sure there’s a clear link to the overall strategy so leaders see how DEI initiatives drive organizational goals.

Raw data without context leaves leadership guessing about what it means. Excessive technical jargon makes the message hard to grasp quickly. And if metrics aren’t connected to strategy, the dashboard can feel like vanity data rather than a tool for informed decision-making.