How do you balance data & intuition

??? The #datajourney is rich with lessons. One recent revelation? The need to harmonise data and intuition. Prompting #ChatGPT, I sought a term that blends data-driven choices with gut feel.

Enter: #Gutalytics.

In our latest projects Partners in Digital , the quest has been to integrate the structured world of data-driven decisions with the dynamic nature of intuition & creativity. It became evident, a few years ago, that there were instances where this balance tilted. We witnessed an overemphasis on data, leading to rigidity, & a diminished space for organic creativity & intuition.

Navigating between these two paradigms to strike the balance can be a challenge, but here are some insights I've garnered over the past 13 years since delving into 'Web Analytics 2.0' by Avinash Kaushik. Sparked by a new role as a digital and design team leader with the required capabilities of 'data driven decision-maker' that I didn't have. Thanks Avinash for being my guide. {be sure to follow Avinash Kaushik as he offers daily wisdom shares on all thigns data here on LinkedIn}

?? 1. Set the intention before starting: Begin with a foundational step: monitor our data path diligently. Establish milestones where we assess if our balance between data and intuition remains true. By channeling efficiency, ensure we carve out spaces for creativity. Regularly dive deep into our customer insights, knowing that through such understanding, our marketing and growth strategies gain sharper focus.

Our mantra: Balance data with purpose, harness efficiency to spark creativity, dive deep into the customer insights, for in understanding, we find clarity and propel our strategic goals.

?? 2. Collaboration is key: busting silos & bringing together different teams in the business to ensure there is a working group that bridges the different data access levels.

We use the customer experience as a map to ensure the right people are invited to the table. Our working group will often include everyone from the CEO to the social media coordinator.

?? 3. Embrace Both: Neither data nor intuition is perfect. Use data as your guiding north star, but let intuition steer you through uncharted waters.

Customer behaviour is in constant flux & we use the data to monitor behaviour as it changes to enable us to tap into our intuition & define where we would shift focus in the following week. The data is a guide but it is experience and intuition that help us realign focus as we bring the business on the journey with us.

?? 4. Reflect Regularly: Habitual introspection on your decisions can offer profound insights. Assess what worked & what missed the mark.

In our team, we set aside time weekly to evaluate our data-backed hunches, & the results have been intriguing. We have set failure KPIs where teams are encouraged to take risks & often those risks pay off confirming the value of both intuition & data.

?? 5. Cultivate a Culture of Creativity: Create an environment that fosters ideation & innovation. Use data not just as metrics but as a springboard for imaginative discussions.

Case in point: when certain content outperformed even our paid campaigns, it spurred discussions on crafting similarly impactful content. It's a weekly creative check point with space to workshop as a team.

?? 6 Use Data as a Tool, Not a Crutch: While data can provide a roadmap, it shouldn't dictate every turn you take. The human touch - judgment, experience, & creativity - is irreplaceable.

We've trained our team to interpret data constructively, transforming insights into actionable strategies. We actively practively and value the insights over data.

The dance between data & intuition is an art and our journey Partners in Digital is far from perfect and our success at each stage is due to the amazing #digitalpartners we have on the journey with us.

Take risks with data support, knowing the right blend leads to optimal outcomes. Ponder on a failure KPI. ?

For assistance on data-centric choices, get in touch. Limited slots this quarter for a comprehensive digital health check.??Book here?https://lnkd.in/eezFaFEP

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