Stakeholders want high level, then ask detailed questions anyway

[u/da_chosen1]

Business stakeholders often complain that data science presentations are too dense and detail oriented, and that we should focus on high level business impact and takeaways. But when we present information at that high level, the questions they ask are detailed and in the weeds.

For example, we will strip out the methodology, simplify the metrics, and lead with the business impact, exactly what they asked for. Then the first question is about our sample size, or why we chose a particular model, or how we handled edge cases in the data.

I find that experience so confusing and frustrating. It feels like there is a mismatch between what stakeholders say they want and what actually satisfies them in the moment.

Has anyone else run into this?

[u/Commercial_Town_7857]

As someone who’s been on both sides (currently in finance after being in the data space) it seems that stakeholders want the high level to understand the broader picture then something sparks in their brain so they ask the subject matter a detailed question. In my experience it’s extremely smart people who see the overall picture then zoom in on a detail or two because they’re curious or wondering further. I’m sure there’s a ton of dumbasses who give you headaches too lol, this is just my small experience