As a data analytics manager, you are only as good as the people around you. Creating a high-performance data analytics team is imperative if you want to succeed. Despite an abundance of management manuals and training classes, building strong teams is elusive. For me, it boils down to one word: love.

Love is one of the most common words in the English lexicon—and hence, the most misunderstood. The popular definition of love—the one that pop artists croon about and teenagers dream about—is actually lust. It’s an irresistible, all-consuming, hormone-driven emotion that binds us to another person. But research shows that lust fades after two years (at most). For a relationship to survive, lust must be replaced by love.

With hindsight gleaned from nearly six decades of living, I believe there are three levels of love. Mastering these higher forms of love is perhaps what life is all about. They drive healthy relationships, both personal and professional—and spawn open, caring communities that bring out the best in people.

Three Levels of Love

Here are three levels of love that a data analytics manager must master to create a high-performance team:

Level 1: Listen—Listening is the foundation of love. It forms a channel of communications between individuals, allowing them to connect on a personal level. Listening conveys interest and goodwill. A good listener says, “I hear you” without speaking a word.

Level 2: Respect—Respect takes listening to the next level. It actively seeks to understand another person’s ideas and empathize with their feelings. Respect is easy with people we like, challenging with those we don’t, but necessary all the more. Respect gives everyone the benefit of the doubt, recognizing our common humanity. Respect says, “I know and value you.”

Level 3: Sacrifice—The highest form of love is sacrifice. Here, we put aside our own interests, priorities, fears, and reputation for the sake of others. Sacrifice is visceral—like the love of a parent for a child; but it’s also wise—based on mature self-reflection and a deep knowledge of the way the world works. Sacrifice says, “I care for you.”

The Absence of Love

The opposite of love is fear. When we are fearful, we are blind: we cannot hear others; we cannot know others; and we cannot care for others. We can only feed ourselves—and in doing so—we lose everything.

For example, a data analytics professional who is worried about losing his job won't contribute openly to a discussion or undertake a risky but innovative initiative. Fear  brings out the worst in people, not the best.  

Love is the fountain of happiness. But love requires practice, discipline, and tenacity. We, humans, aren’t great students of love; we are often overcome by fear, laziness, or stress. We can and must do better, for ourselves and those we love or serve.

Love: Data Analytics Style

To succeed, a data analytics manager needs to build a team in which every individual performs to his or her highest potential. This requires an open, caring environment where individuals aren’t afraid to ask “dumb” questions, suggest ideas without being criticized, and take risks without fear of losing their jobs.

 To create high performance teams, data analytics managers need to practice love. They need to:

• Listen to each person on the team, taking time to establish a personal connection.
• Respect and value every opinion, giving each person a fair hearing and the benefit of the doubt.
• Sacrifice their time, put aside their emotions, and occasionally risk their reputations to serve and defend those who serve them.

Data analytics managers who learn and apply the three levels of love will not only enjoy professional success, they will enjoy rich personal lives as well, full of joy, peace, and contentment.