Welcome to the first ever edition of Strategies for Effective Data Leadership! It is awesome to have you here. This weekly newsletter will focus on - yeah you guessed it - strategies to help data leaders become more effective and influential in their organisations!

There are a billion people out there telling us how to get into data and how to develop our analytical skills, but no one is telling us how to become great data leaders and transition from being hands on with data to being successful leaders and data advocates.

Well, that’s until now. Let’s go 🚀

There is no doubt about the importance of data in decision-making in modern businesses (and if there is you’re in the wrong newsletter).

This importance increases exponentially each year as new technological capabilities arise and competitive landscapes evolve. But none-the-less data leaders are frequently excluded from strategic conversations.

So the question is: Are data leaders given enough of a voice at the strategy table?

Being data driven is good for business. Some quick stats from McKinsey:

But while this all sounds great, most businesses do not fall into this category. Sure, plenty of places say they are ‘data-driven’ but the facts of the matter say otherwise.

According to the International Institute for Analytics, the vast majority of companies scored a low 2 out of 5 on their data maturity model. This implies that most organisations operate at a level of ‘localised' analytics, with siloed data and little to no data centric decision making.

There is a disconnect between data and the setting of strategic initiatives. A large part of this comes down to 2 things:

Often, the most senior data individual will be quite far down on the org chart. They likely report into the head of engineering or the CTO/CIO. So, not only are they lumped in the technical side of the company (not the business side) they are also too junior to be involved at the top table setting strategies.

This means that no one in that process is focused on data, and the strategic initiatives that are set, may lack crucial context that only the data can provide. This can cost the company big time in the long run.

Getting a seat at the top table won’t happen overnight. It’s going to take time to influence and convince the business that this is where you (and data) need to be in order for the business to thrive.

🔹Develop Strong Communication Skills

Communication skills are essential in data. In effect, data and analytics is all about translating raw information into recommendations and actions for the business to take. Focusing on and improving in this area is essential.

🔹Show ROI through Data Projects

At the heart of strategy is determining where to play and how to win. If we want data to influence strategy then we need to show how data helps the business win at every opportunity.

To do this, you must become adept at showcasing the value and ROI of data and other business initiatives that were supported by data.

Convincing the business that data can be a revenue driver and not a cost centre will work wonders.

🔹Foster Cross-Functional Relationships

You’ll never get a seat at the top table with out the support from the wider business. It is extremely important to build alliances with other department leaders and to demonstrate how data can support their work.

Solve problems that they have and you’ll make their lives a lot easier.

🔹Democratise Your Data

Make data accessible and easily understood by users. Ensure your data is clean and structured and that users are educated sufficiently to work with it.

Data driven decision making needs to get all the way to the top table if businesses are going to stand a chance of remaining competitive. Accomplishing this goal should be a key priority to any data leader and organisation.

This will help achieve:

Data’s involvement in the organisational strategy setting should be a no brainer. Data leaders who care about the success of their organisations should make it a top priority that data is represented during the strategy setting process.

It’s up to us. Let’s do this! 🚀

Tris J Burns 🔥