Relying Solely on Your Gut to Make Big Business Decisions Could Cost You Your Career. Here’s Why You Need Data to Succeed.

No matter your industry, Big Data and analytics are fundamentally changing how businesses operate and make decisions. Throw in a culture of rapid digital transformation, and the expectations for leadership roles are shifting at an unprecedented rate.

It’s no longer sufficient for C-suite executives and senior leaders to simply excel in traditional management skills such as strategic vision and people management. Now, the currency of effective leadership also includes an intimate understanding of data analytics.

Consider just a few of the ways that Big Data and analytics are driving decisions in the modern workplace:

• Customer analysis to better understand customer needs, preferences and behaviors.
• Predictive models to forecast future trends or performance.
• Risk analysis to identify potential threats and opportunities.

A recent survey proves the power of data analytics: 44% of executives consider data crucial for strategic decision-making, while 37% believe it offers deeper insights into their business.

As a C-suite executive, an ability to interpret data-driven insights from these types of analyses can create a competitive advantage for climbing the corporate ladder. But how should you get started with data analytics?

Related: Five Ways Big Data Can Help Your Business Succeed

The evolving landscape of modern leadership

There was a time when the primary expectations for senior leaders were aspects like visionary thinking, strategic planning and people management. While these skills remain vital, the technological revolution has introduced a new dimension to leadership: data literacy.

The arrival of “Big Data” and the learning models that drive it have made data literacy increasingly crucial for executives. Data literacy involves reading, analyzing and communicating insights from vast volumes of data. It requires understanding statistics and techniques like machine learning and natural language processing (NLP).

As a senior leader, your ability to understand and use this data boosts team effectiveness and positions you as a forward-thinking executive. Consider KPIs — the backbone of performance management. By interpreting the data, gain insights into team performance and areas for improvement.

This enables you to make better decisions and have more informed conversations with your team members. Plus, understanding the basics of machine learning helps you identify opportunities for automation or optimization that may have been missed.

Strategies for integrating data analytics into leadership

If data literacy is a new skill that can boost your career, the question becomes: How can you cultivate this skill to help your resume rise up the ranks? For senior leaders interested in harnessing the power of data analytics for career growth, here are some strategies to consider:

Develop a data-driven mindset

Before diving into tools and techniques, developing a data-driven mindset is crucial. Start by asking data-based questions in meetings, challenging assumptions with empirical evidence, and encouraging your team to do the same. This helps to foster a culture of data-driven decision-making and sets the tone for deeper exploration later on.

Proactively seek out opportunities to learn

Data analytics is a broad field — from basic spreadsheet software to sophisticated machine learning algorithms. Identify which skills you need to learn to use data effectively, then look for sources such as online courses or internal training to build those competencies.

Collaborate with data experts

Don’t isolate yourself; instead, make it a point to collaborate with your organization’s data scientists (if you have any), analysts or other data professionals. They can provide insights that are not immediately apparent and guide you through the complexities of data interpretation.

Plus, by adding a roster of skilled data advisors to your network, you can benefit from their expertise and experience.

Implement data-driven projects in your current role

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, initiate a data-driven project within your team or department.

It could be anything from improving customer experience based on feedback data to optimizing supply chain logistics. Such projects provide practical experience and showcase your leadership in adapting to the new data-centric business environment.

Track and showcase your success

Nothing speaks louder than results. As you implement data-driven initiatives, track the outcomes meticulously. Be prepared to showcase these successes in performance reviews or when seeking a promotion, as they make a compelling case for your leadership capabilities in a data-driven era.

Related: The Pivotal Role Of Big Data In E-Commerce

Gain a competitive edge through data analytics

If you’re going to compete, data analytics is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity for senior leaders aspiring for career advancement. Mastering this skill set enhances your decision-making and differentiates you in the eyes of stakeholders and hiring committees.

To stay ahead of the pack, you need to understand and interpret data trends proficiently. The more comfortable and confident you are with data-driven insights, the more likely you can capitalize on opportunities before others do.

• Lead with data, not just instincts: Enrich your leadership instincts with empirical data for a more balanced and credible decision-making approach.
• Collaborate with data experts: Build a network of data professionals within your organization to enhance your data literacy and garner insights.
• Implement data-driven projects: Showcase your newfound skills by leading a data-centric project within your team or department.
• Track and showcase success: Measure the outcomes of your data-driven initiatives and be prepared to present them in performance reviews or job interviews.
• Make data analytics a leadership trait: Adopt data literacy as a core leadership trait, on par with qualities like strategic thinking and empathy.

Start today by learning the basics of data analytics and how to use it in your decision-making process. And while you grow in your understanding and skill level, never forget to show the value of data-driven initiatives in your organization. Doing so will help you become a more influential leader that the world needs today.