Adopt a Table Mindset

Transform Your Analytical Abilities with Structured Data

People often tease me about my obsession with organising everything into tables. And while I’ll admit, I do love a good table, it’s not just a quirky habit—it’s a powerful way to present information clearly and accessibly. So, let me explain why embracing this approach could transform your analytical skills.

My fascination with tables began when I unlocked the full potential of Excel. If you’re looking for a skill that’s both timeless and useful across almost every industry, you can’t go wrong with Excel (my personal favourite course: Excel for Mac 2016: Advanced Formulas and Functions). It’s surprising how many professionals either underutilise or overlook Excel’s benefits. But when I talk about Excel skills, I’m referring to more than software proficiency—it’s about adopting a mindset shift: thinking in columns and rows.

Thinking in Columns and Rows: A Game-Changer

1. Information Architecture: Organising data into columns and rows makes categorisation and management straightforward. Each column represents a specific attribute, while each row contains an individual record. This structure enables intuitive pattern recognition and trend analysis, improving your ability to process data logically.
2. Analytical Mindset: You might think, “I’m not the analytical type.” But analysis isn’t some innate gift—it’s a methodical approach. Once you start arranging data in tables, you naturally begin identifying relationships between different data points. It’s like training your brain to think critically without even realising it.
3. Automation Readiness: When your data is neatly structured in columns and rows, it’s ready for automation. This approach makes workflows more efficient, reducing the need for manual intervention. Think of it as preparing your information for smooth processing by machines.
4. Visual Clarity: Tables make complex data simple, especially when you’re trying to communicate with people unfamiliar with the subject matter. A well-structured table allows for quick understanding, reducing cognitive load and helping your audience grasp key concepts instantly.
5. Skill Transferability: The mindset of structuring data in columns and rows extends beyond Excel. Today’s low-code and no-code platforms make it easy to manage data without needing advanced programming skills. Tasks that once required technical expertise can now be handled in minutes.
6. Data Storytelling: If you think you’re not a strong presenter, tables can change that. They let you tell compelling stories with your data, guiding your audience logically through the information. A well-organised table does half the work for you, helping you communicate insights effortlessly.

In short, thinking in rows and columns not only sharpens your analytical skills but also enhances your ability to communicate effectively in a data-driven world.

Elevating Your Skills: A Real-World Example

Recently, I worked on a project that demonstrates how powerful modern data tools can be. I had a long list of resources I wanted to organise and share. Here’s what I did:

1. Database Creation: I used Airtable to input and organise all my resources into a sophisticated, yet user-friendly, database. Without any coding, I could easily categorise, tag, and enrich each entry with relevant details.
2. Web Application Building: Once the data was organised, I used Softr to turn it into a functional web application. The process was incredibly simple and didn’t require any coding expertise.
3. The Result: In just a few hours, I transformed a static list into an interactive online directory. Users could apply filters to quickly find exactly what they were looking for. This project was a perfect example of how tools like Airtable and Softr can elevate your data management and presentation skills.

➡️ Dita Nova’s Resources

The key to making this project work was table thinking. I knew I needed to filter by category, so I created a category column. Then, I went further and created a separate table just for categories—this made data management more efficient and ensured smoother updates later.

By using these no-code tools and applying structured thinking, you can create sophisticated solutions that previously required entire teams of developers. Whether you’re managing projects, analysing trends, or organising resources, a structured approach to data will make your life easier and your output far more effective.

Conclusion: Take Action Today

Embracing tables and structured data can sharpen your analytical skills, opening doors both in your career and personal projects. The skills you gain will give you fresh perspectives on managing and presenting information.

Ready to get started?

• Explore Airtable or Softr and see how they can revolutionise your data management.
• Challenge yourself to organise a project or dataset using columns and rows—notice how much clearer the information becomes.
• Take 30 minutes to build an online directory using Softr—it’s faster and easier than you might think.

If you’re unsure where to start or need guidance, contact me for a personalized coaching session! Together, we can simplify your data management and help you master tools like Airtable and Softr.

Remember, every table you create is a step towards clearer communication and smarter decision-making. Who knows? You might even inspire your colleagues to join the table revolution too!