Leading with data
Do you lead with data or does your data lead you? Take this quick test. Answer yes or no to the following statements.
- When I receive a report, the first thing I do is scan through all of the data to see what the report is telling me.
- I wait until I've collected my data and see what I have before I determine what analysis to perform and what questions to answer.
- My presentations/papers tend to have more charts, graphs, and tables than words and pictures.
- I pass along data and fact as I receive them in order to avoid introducing my bias or subjectivity.
- I diligently read all of the reports that I receive.
- I use standard, corporate reports to make decisions and take actions.
If you answered "yes" to more than three you may be letting data lead you. As a result, you might not be as effective as you think.
Leading with data is about moving from simply summarizing what the data says to understanding how the data fits into what is happening in your business. It requires that you add your own context and perspective to the facts. A good leader knows that the data isn't the story. What's happening in the business is the story.
Good leaders understand their business and the story that is unfolding within it. They combine that understanding with data to create a more complete picture.
During WWII, the Royal Air Force had a dilemma. Its planes were being shot down and it only had a limited amount of armor to reinforce them. They called in mathematician Abraham Wald. Wald studied the planes and found that there were common patterns of where bullet holes appeared and where they did not. Conventional wisdom would have suggested that they fortify the spots with the most holes. After all, the data showed that is where the planes were being hit the most.
However, Wald took a step back and applied his understanding of aircraft and warfare to develop a model to help him interpret the data. His recommendation was to fortify the parts of the planes that didn't have holes. His argument took into account additional information from his model. The planes he was looking at were the ones that returned. Therefore, the location of the holes that he saw was not critical to the plane's ability to fly. However, the places where he didn't see holes must represent where the other planes (that were shot down) were hit. His solution was simple but only because he had a model from which to understand his data.
Insights don’t come from data. They come from applying your understanding of the business to the data.
Brad customizes and tailors all of his training courses to incorporate content, issues, and examples that are unique to your organization.
In addition to his standard courses (listed below), he can create custom training experiences adapted to your unique needs.
Standard courses (click for more detail):
Brad can help you draw greater insight from your data and information in all phases of your work:
- Defining data-driven goals, targets, and measures
- Defining reports that drive decision-making and action
- Framing and planning data-driven research on key business problems
- Interpreting and generating insights from data and reports
- Communicating your findings and recommendations in a compelling, fact-based manner
The following articles, from Brad's blog, provide additional content on Leading with data
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