I came across this article recently which I clicked on (The 6 Fundamental Skills Every Leader Should Practice by Ron Ashkenas & Brook Manville 10/24/2018), and the article talked about six skills leaders need to practice. And I thought, we often say on this site that leadership in data analytics is critical and that it could be interesting if I took those six skills and saw how they would fit our area. Here goes.

Shape an exciting vision that challenges your team

Data Analytics is exciting right now, and challenges abound, so that part will be easy. In many organizations today, the business objectives in the 3- or 5-year plan will require data analytics to be achieved. Telling your people that they are now strategic to the business as opposed to a cost center satisfies a longing that humans have: self-actualization. It is an excellent time to be an analytics leader today. How good is your team's engagement? It has to be good. Make sure it is.

Translate the vision into a clear strategy

At the risk of repeating ourselves, it is also critical to the success of any data analytics program to have a Data Strategy. Wayne Eckerson has written three blogs on the subject of the Data Strategy, not to mention all the information available elsewhere. Like a good business plan, just writing it down will force you to clarify things. Your team and your organization will be invigorated and will thank you. (Wayne's blog part I, part II, part III)

Recruit, develop and reward your great people

We cannot do much alone. We need others. Leaders need their team. I was recently asked by a VP of HR what I thought an analytics leader's share of his time should be devoted to managing and coaching his team. Without hesitation, I said, "I don't know, but it has to be at least 80%". She never told me if she agreed or not, but developing a great team takes energy and dedication. You will need the right mix of skills to deliver successfully. Your Data Strategy should have an Organizational Plan.

Focus on measurable results

Everything is about business. The Data Strategy should align with the company, and priorities should be dictated heavily by the business. Make deliverables frequent and small, as DataOps suggests, and implicate your lines of business to review and accept deliverables. The results will be clear and impactful. That's measurable.

Foster innovation, learning and grow new leaders

Things move too fast nowadays. You need to aim for agility and flexibility, constant improvement and to find ways to automate and speed up processes and development. For that, you need to enable your team and create a culture where they can make decisions and not be afraid to make mistakes; communicate and be clear what can be experimented with. I don't know about you, but I own very few of the great ideas I support today. If you create that culture, your team will amaze you. Assume that many of your employees will wind up smarter and more successful than you. Don't you want to benefit from their genius?

Know yourself, improve yourself and manage the balance in your life

I read this book a few years ago. The author made the point about how we think that successful people seem to compromise on certain aspects of their lives (their marriage, time with their kids, etc.) to reach the heights they do; they have to go to extremes. If you can, the author says, sure, try to achieve balance. But a better way is to aim for "harmony." If you need to spend 80 hours a week at work but have no kids and your spouse is in a similarly demanding career, then perhaps you can do it without giving up on something - that is what he meant. Also, many analytical leaders today come from the business. If you are one and own the whole data program, surround yourself with people who complete you with the technical expertise or get outside assistance. Stay informed and attend conferences at least once per year.