Research from Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and the Stanford Research Center reveals that well-developed soft skills account for 85% of job success, while technical skills and knowledge (hard skills) contribute only 15%.
Data teams play a crucial role in organisations today by leveraging data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and drive innovation. Their expertise in analysing and interpreting data empowers businesses to optimise processes, enhance customer experiences, and stay competitive.
In this article, we’ll explore why leadership soft skills are essential for your data team to be successful. We’ll identify the most crucial soft skills and discuss strategies for developing them.
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Why is leadership important in data teams?
Leadership within data teams is crucial for several reasons. Data teams often consist of highly skilled individuals with technical expertise. However, they may lack the ability to communicate their insights effectively or foster a collaborative environment.
Strong leadership ensures that these insights are translated into actionable strategies that drive your organisation’s growth. Without successful leadership in your data team, your organisation may encounter a wide range of issues, including:
- Miscommunication and misunderstandings
- Inability to drive strategic initiatives
- Reduced team morale
- Ineffective problem-solving
- High employee turnover
Now, let’s delve into some specific ways data leaders can guide their teams to achieve better performance.
Vision setting and strategy development
Leaders in data teams play a pivotal role in vision setting and strategy development by aligning the team’s objectives with the broader goals of the organisation.
Effective leaders engage their teams in collaborative discussions, encouraging diverse perspectives and innovative ideas around data that contribute to a shared vision. They ensure that every team member understands their role in achieving this vision and the overall strategy, thereby fostering a sense of purpose and motivation.
Motivating and inspiring
Successful leaders celebrate successes, provide constructive feedback, and encourage continuous learning and development. Their enthusiasm and support create a positive and energising work environment, driving the team to excel and innovate.
Through their leadership, data team members feel valued and motivated to contribute their best efforts towards achieving shared organisational goals.
Decision making under uncertainty
Leaders in data teams excel at making decisions in uncertainty. They use their expertise to interpret complex data, providing clarity in obscure situations. By leveraging data analytics and predictive models, they guide the team through uncertain scenarios, making informed choices that minimise risks.
Effective leaders also foster a culture of resilience and adaptability, encouraging their teams to embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for innovation and growth.
6 soft skills of a successful data leader
Now, we’ve established why leadership is important within data teams, it’s time to look at the soft skills that make a successful data leader.
So what are soft skills exactly?
Soft skills are non-technical abilities that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. Unlike hard skills, which are specific, teachable abilities, soft skills are often intangible and harder to quantify.
They play a critical role in personal and professional success, enhancing a person’s ability to build relationships, navigate social environments, and drive collaborative efforts within a team or organisation.
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, "The Future of Jobs Report 2020," complex problem-solving is among the top skills that will be in demand across industries by 2025.
According to the same report, interpersonal skills, including communication and collaboration, are also expected to be highly sought after by 2025.
Below we’ve outlined the 6 most important soft skills a successful data leader needs to encompass:
1. Strong communication skills
Data leaders must effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences, ensuring that insights are understood and acted upon. Clear communication bridges the gap between data teams and other departments, facilitating collaboration and informed decision-making.
In the data industry, where technical jargon can often be a barrier, the ability to translate data insights into actionable business strategies is particularly crucial.
Good communication within their own teams also ensures that projects stay on track and objectives are met.
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2. Good problem-solving skills
Leaders with strong problem-solving abilities can quickly identify issues and develop effective solutions. This skill is crucial in navigating the complexities of data projects and overcoming obstacles that may impede progress.
In the fast-paced and detail oriented world of data, being able to troubleshoot and resolve issues efficiently reduces delays and maximises the value derived from data analysis.
3. Adaptability
The data landscape is constantly evolving, with new tools, technologies, and methodologies emerging regularly. Leaders must be able to adapt to these changes to keep their teams agile and responsive to shifting business needs and industry trends.
Adaptability ensures that data leaders and their teams remain at the forefront of technological advancements and can pivot strategies as necessary.
4. Good project management skills
Effective project management ensures that data initiatives are completed on time and within budget. Leaders with this skill can coordinate resources, set clear objectives, and track progress, driving successful project outcomes.
Given the complexity and scope of many data projects, strong project management is essential for maintaining structure and ensuring that all team members are aligned and working towards the same goals.
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5. Good conflict resolution skills
Conflicts are inevitable in any team, and data leaders must be adept at resolving them constructively. Strong conflict resolution skills help maintain a positive team dynamic and ensure that disagreements do not derail projects.
In the data industry, where diverse expertise and perspectives are common, the ability to navigate and resolve conflicts can encourage a more collaborative and innovative environment.
6. Creativity and innovation skills
Leaders who foster creativity and innovation can inspire their teams to think outside the box and develop groundbreaking solutions. This skill is essential for driving continuous improvement and staying competitive in the data industry.
Creativity in data analysis can lead to novel approaches and insights. Innovation keeps the team at the cutting edge of technology and methodology, ensuring the organisation can leverage data for maximum impact.
How to develop leadership soft skills within data teams
Here are some practical strategies to help cultivate these vital skills:
- Practical exercises: Incorporate role play scenarios into your team’s routine. These activities simulate real-life situations, allowing team members to practise communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution in a controlled environment.
An example of role play scenario may be:The company’s sales department has requested an analysis of the sales data from the last quarter to identify trends, key performance indicators (KPIs), and potential areas for improvement.
The data team needs to work together to analyse the data, interpret the results, and prepare a report for the sales department.
Additionally, there is a tight deadline, and the team has discovered some discrepancies in the data that need to be addressed quickly.
- Encouraging feedback and open communication: Foster a culture where feedback is regularly given and received. Encourage team members to share their thoughts openly and constructively. This practice not only improves communication skills but also builds trust and transparency within the data team.
- Soft skills training workshops: Organise or attend workshops focused on developing specific soft skills. These workshops can cover topics such as effective communication, emotional intelligence, and teamwork.
By providing targeted training, you can equip your data team with the tools they need to enhance their interpersonal skills and leadership capabilities.
“I am aware that some courses only teach technical skills. But Cambridge Spark is very different in the fact that they additionally provide you with soft skills and how to articulate results in a way for non-technical audiences to understand. I’m constantly using what I’ve learned to present confidently in meetings, rather than simply sharing analysis outwards on completion. Cambridge Spark has found the right balance.” Imran Ayad, Data Analyst, Visa
Conclusion
While technical expertise forms the backbone of these teams, it is the soft skills that enable leaders to translate complex data insights into actionable business strategies.
By prioritising the development of soft skills like the ones outlined above, data leaders can foster a more collaborative, innovative, and effective team environment.
This not only enhances the performance of the team but also drives the overall growth and success of the organisation.
If you’re interested in developing your team's data skills, discover more about how you can do just that whilst staying within your organisation’s budget. For any other questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the form below.