What are the best practices for using data to drive change in leadership?

1 Define the purpose and the problem

Before collecting, analyzing, or presenting data, leaders need to have a clear purpose and a well-defined problem. What are they trying to achieve, and why? What are the gaps, challenges, or opportunities they want to address? How does data help them answer these questions? By defining the purpose and the problem, leaders can avoid collecting irrelevant or excessive data, wasting time and resources, or jumping to conclusions. They can also align their data efforts with the vision, mission, and values of their organization, and with the needs and expectations of their stakeholders.

2 Involve and empower others

Servant leaders do not use data to impose their own agenda, manipulate others, or justify their actions. They use data to involve and empower others, to foster collaboration, learning, and innovation. They seek input and feedback from their team members, customers, partners, and other stakeholders, and they share data openly and transparently. They also delegate authority and responsibility for data collection, analysis, and presentation to those who are closest to the problem or the solution. They trust and support their team members to use data creatively and constructively, and they recognize and reward their contributions.

3 Communicate with clarity and compassion

Data can be complex, confusing, or controversial, especially when it involves change. Servant leaders need to communicate data with clarity and compassion, to make it understandable, meaningful, and actionable for their audience. They need to tailor their data stories to the context, goals, and preferences of their audience, and use appropriate formats, visuals, and language. They also need to acknowledge the limitations, uncertainties, and biases of data, and invite questions, comments, and critiques. They listen empathetically to the concerns, emotions, and perspectives of their audience, and they respond respectfully and constructively.

4 Adapt and improve continuously

Data is not static, but dynamic. It changes over time, as do the circumstances, needs, and goals of leaders and their organizations. Servant leaders need to adapt and improve continuously, to keep up with the changing data landscape, and to leverage the opportunities and challenges it presents. They need to monitor and evaluate the impact and outcomes of their data-driven actions, and seek feedback and learning from their results. They also need to update and refine their data sources, methods, and tools, and explore new ways of using data to drive change. They embrace experimentation, innovation, and failure as part of their data journey.

5 Serve a higher purpose

Finally, servant leaders use data to serve a higher purpose, beyond their own interests or those of their organization. They use data to create positive social, environmental, and ethical impact, and to contribute to the common good. They align their data efforts with the global goals and standards for sustainable development, human rights, and social justice. They also respect and protect the privacy, dignity, and rights of the people and communities behind the data, and they use data responsibly and accountably. They seek to use data for good, not for evil.

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?