Great data analysis is like art. Once you become (or begin working with) your data analyst, the first thing you need to do is always strive for more. As with art, it can be easy to just keep riding on past successes. If an analysis sold leadership on the decision last year, why not just use the same one again?
Just as a business changes over time, the needs of the analysis often change. Using the same analysis in a new context can often be exactly the wrong thing to do (even if it’s perfectly applicable still). It could be seen as a shortcut because the leader had already seen it. It could be missing some new variable that was now holding high importance. It could simply be the wrong messaging this time around.
Every year you have new experience and expertise on a topic. Failing to include that into new analyses is inexcusable. Create the starting point but never stop evolving. Good ideas for additions can come from anywhere. Never ignore them, always include them – and be wary of good one-time ideas versus good on-going ideas.
There is a trick to all this: don’t just change for the sake of change. Sometimes the classics are best, especially if put into a new context. Change for change alone’s sake introduces randomness and unpredictability.