What are the most important skills for a strategic leader in leveraging data for creative strategy?

1 Analytical thinking

A strategic leader needs to have a strong analytical thinking skill to interpret, synthesize, and communicate data and insights effectively. Analytical thinking involves breaking down complex problems, identifying patterns and trends, and applying logic and reasoning to find solutions. A strategic leader should be able to use data and insights to support creative decisions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.

2 Creative thinking

A strategic leader also needs to have a strong creative thinking skill to generate, develop, and execute original and innovative ideas based on data and insights. Creative thinking involves using imagination, intuition, and divergent thinking to explore possibilities, challenge assumptions, and find new ways of doing things. A strategic leader should be able to use data and insights to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and create value.

3 Data literacy

A strategic leader needs to have a basic level of data literacy to understand, use, and communicate data and insights effectively. Data literacy involves knowing the sources, types, and formats of data, the methods and tools for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data, and the ethical and legal implications of data. A strategic leader should be able to use data and insights to inform, persuade, and educate stakeholders, as well as to identify and address data gaps and quality issues.

4 Learning agility

A strategic leader needs to have a high level of learning agility to adapt to changing data and insights, as well as to the dynamic and complex environment in which creative strategy operates. Learning agility involves being curious, open-minded, and willing to learn from feedback, failures, and successes. A strategic leader should be able to use data and insights to learn from the past, anticipate the future, and innovate in the present.

5 Emotional intelligence

A strategic leader needs to have a high level of emotional intelligence to manage their own and others' emotions, motivations, and behaviors in relation to data and insights. Emotional intelligence involves being self-aware, self-regulated, empathetic, and socially skilled. A strategic leader should be able to use data and insights to enhance their emotional intelligence, as well as to foster a positive and productive data culture in their team or organization.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?