In a world where information is king, and knowledge is power, data is the backbone of modern business. It is essential for leaders to embrace data and use it to drive performance and growth. Unfortunately, many leaders are still hesitant to use data to their advantage for a variety of reasons—often due to being simply confused by how to use data correctly or ill-equipped to decipher data efficiently. Use this post as a reminder about the basic tenets of data processing and how to use it to measure performance, evolve, and grow.

1. Data should be embraced, not feared. 

Nobel Prize winning physicist and chemist Marie Curie understood the value of data. She once famously said, “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood,” and while she may have been referencing radioactivity, the idea still applies to understanding valuable datasets that can be embraced on the path to financial fortitude. Sound data can be a boundless source of confidence, and it can be an essential tool for leaders to make informed decisions, identify growth opportunities, and measure the success of given initiatives. With the right tools and approach, data can be a powerful ally in achieving organizational goals.

2. Use data to measure performance and identify opportunities for adjustment

Measuring performance is all about setting clear goals and using data to track progress toward those goals. The first step is to define key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the organization’s strategic objectives. KPIs can vary depending on the nature of the business. For instance, a hyper-growth software company might focus most on year-over-year revenue growth as its chief KPI, versus a gourmet bakery might prioritize the measurement of customer satisfaction over time. 

Once KPIs have been established, leaders can use data to track progress and identify areas for improvement. This may involve collecting data from a variety of sources, including sales information, customer feedback, and employee surveys. By critically analyzing data, leaders can identify patterns and trends, and adjust strategic initiatives accordingly.

3. Adopting a data-driven mentality is about evolution, not revolution

Being data-driven is not about making radical changes based on data alone. Instead, it is about using data to inform decision-making and make incremental, scalable improvements over time. There is a sweet spot, and it varies from business to business. Not taking action at all is a surefire way to become the next Circuit City, while scaling things too quickly can result in a slide like once-dominant mobile gaming giant Zynga. By taking a measured and strategic approach to data analysis, leaders can identify opportunities for improvement and make steady adjustments that drive sustainable growth.

For example, if customer satisfaction scores are consistently low, leaders can use data to identify the root causes of customer dissatisfaction and make targeted improvements to address those issues. This may involve changes to customer service processes, product design, or pricing strategies. By making targeted changes based on data analysis, leaders can achieve meaningful improvements without disrupting the overall business strategy.

4. Not understanding data initially is ok.  

One key positive side effect of AI and automation’s recent explosion into the mainstream is that now the most powerful tools to decipher and organize data are available to everyone, not just reserved for big data firms and financial powerhouses. AI is for everyone, and therefore, so is valuable data. And with robust, intelligent tools at arm’s length, business leaders shouldn’t feel like they need to be trained data analysts in order to effectively distill data and make adjustments based on info-driven findings. Furthermore, business leaders need to remember that owning a business doesn’t make them a jack-of-all-trades expert in everything. And that’s entirely ok. Hiring the right people and investing in the right tools is more important than becoming a decorated statistician overnight. 

The most important thing is to clearly understand an organization’s strategic objectives and how data can be used in the pursuit of those objectives. Leaders can rely on data analysts or other experts to provide guidance on data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Leaders can make informed decisions that drive sustainable growth by collaborating with experts and focusing on the big picture.

It is natural to be afraid of the unknown, or intimidated by what feels like a mountain of information, even for a subject matter expert. By embracing data as a tool of empowerment, business leaders can peer into the unknown and glean valuable learnings. They can then set clear goals, use data to measure performance, and ultimately identify opportunities for improvement and drive sustainable growth. Becoming a data-driven thinker isn’t done quickly, it is about making sound, informed decisions over time. But with the right investments of time, information, and a dedication to adaptation, data can be a powerful ally in achieving organizational goals.