Weeknotes #8–9 — back from a break
Two weekends ago I took time off the internet, so I decided to take a week off weeknotes as well. Therefore this week is a double weeknotes. I recommend to any of you to take a couple of days of the internet. I felt so full of energy and had different perspective on things. I should do it more often.
Stuff I did this week
Human resources — I feel like this is a very cold title for something that needed a lot of sensitivity and compassion. Firstly, we preformed appraisals, which while they can be really bureaucratic, we tried to make them useful and easy going. I learned a lot from my manager Shaun about it (and remembered some good practices from my previous boss Rachel).
In addition, my team had a couple of issues that required looking at how to make people better and safe, which was a reminder for me that being a manager is putting people needs first, even if it means you need to push some deadlines.
Dashboards — My team was looking at how we can be better at getting feedback on existing dashboards and create a process to improve them. Some learning — remember that dashboards are products too and need to be reviewed and actively approach users for feedback, don’t just wait for it.
Surveys — We are getting more requests to review surveys and help to improve them. We also set up a date for the first survey working group, which will bring people from across the organisation to discuss about best practices of surveys and coordination.
Parkinson’s UK Data Club — Last week we also hosted our first Parkinson’s UK Data Club which I was very excited about! The club came up as an idea from our data fellows who wanted to have a space to share their work, ideas and experiences of working with data in the organisation. We opened it to everyone in the organisation who wanted to participate. We had a good attendance of people from different data literacy levels. Expectations for the club were set, we discussed topic for the future (data catalogue!) and even had quick speed dating. I am excited to see the ideas that will come out of the club in the coming weeks and if it will help us break some silos.
Data Collective second call — We ran our second call, which was small but productive! We created a list of resources for data literacy. Take a look at the spreadsheet and add your favourite data literacy resource!
Mozfest last prep — Mozfest started on Monday 8/3! I spent the last two weeks doing last minute prep for our Shifting Power in Tech space, like a space all hands, and I am very excited about the sessions in the next two week!
Podcast recording — I recorded a podcast about Open Data with Elizabeth Dubios for Wonks and War Rooms. You can listen to me speaking about my favourite data subject here: https://www.polcommtech.com/podcast-1/episode/48022fab/open-data-with-mor-rubinstein
Things I read —
- The Future Manifesto is a quick read about principles for the tech of tomorrow.
- Can a visualisation have to many dots? Here is what NakedData reported on the NYT COVID death visualisations.
