The next digital gathering of the Data Standard community will take place on June 9th over Zoom. Every month, leading data scientists come together on these calls to network, share work and learn from others. On June 9th, our featured speaker was leadership expert Harry Kraemer Jr., who is a professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the author of From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership.” Click here to hear a clip from the event on The Data Standard podcast.
Data scientists have great statistical thinking, creativity, multi-modal communication skills and technical acumen. As data science grows ever more important in organizations, an increasing number of these professionals will fill the ranks of executive-level leaders. Whether you’re in leadership now or plan to be in the future, applying Harry Kraemer’s values-based leadership approach will help drive your success. Here are four ways to know you’re ready:
1. You have the ability to self-reflect.
In data science as elsewhere, leaders must know themselves and have a clear grasp on their values. Know what you stand for and what matters to you most. You must be able to identify and articulate these values and then anchor to principles. Of course, this is a work in progress; good leaders will revisit this act of self-reflection over time as new situations arise. Behind this foundational leadership trait are three key questions:
If I’m not self reflective, is it possible for me to know myself?
If I don’t know myself, can I lead myself?
If I can’t lead myself, can I lead others?
2. You emphasize balance in your management style.
This means the ability to your team, empathize and see many viewpoints, then synthesize them into a perspective that takes all into account. Do this before making a decision, then share your view and how you came to that conclusion. Also strive for work-life balance so that you are leading from a grounded standpoint. Data science itself brings together many datasets, this will be easy for data scientists — though the work-life balance may be another matter.
3. You have true self-confidence.
It’s easy to find the leader who struts and boasts. True leaders have true self-confidence that builds on their values and ability to bring balance to any situation. They know they are not invincible and know their flaws, but are always seeking opportunities for self-improvement. This aligns well with data scientists’ constant mode of learning.
4. You have genuine humility.
The humble leader is the one who succeeds. Being humble means remembering where you came from and knowing you don’t always have all the answers. This last one is an easy one for data scientists who know the answer is always evolving.
Join us on June 9th to hear more from Harry Kraemer and get a free copy of his book. Click here to reserve your spot!
