Most organizations want to be more data-driven. But wanting it and building it are two very different things.
Dmitri Adler, Co-Founder of Data Society, argues that the most effective way to embed data into decision-making is to start with clarity: “Leaders have to provide clarity about how decisions will be made,” he says. “You need to be clear with the organization about the cause-and-effect relationships that drive the success of the firm.”
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Step 1: Build a Shared Decision-Making Framework
It’s not possible, or desirable, for leadership to be in every room where decisions are made. That’s why Adler recommends adopting a principle borrowed from military leadership: commander’s intent.
“The boss can’t be in the room when every decision is made, but the rank and file need to have a sense for how the boss makes decisions,” Adler says. “You establish a framework, you explain and demonstrate that process, and you do it often.”
This empowers employees to make informed decisions independently, aligned with strategic goals.
Step 2: Equip Your Teams
A clear framework means little without the tools to act on it. Data-driven decision-making requires not just access to data, but the skills and infrastructure to use it.
“You’re going to get a very defeated workforce if you tell them to do something that is impossible with the resources they have,” Adler warns.
This means:
– Identifying available tools
– Investing in data literacy
– Communicating expectations clearly
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Step 3: Tie Data to Career Growth
One of the most overlooked levers in change management? Individual motivation.
“You need to demonstrate how being data-driven ties into promotion schemes, compensation plans, and skill development,” Adler says. “If you do that well, people will want to stay. They’ll want to contribute.”
Step 4: Balance Internal and External Expertise
You don’t have to build everything in-house. In fact, Adler recommends a hybrid approach:
“In-house experts will know your organization better than anybody else. External experts offer flexibility and a broader perspective. The art is deciding how much of each you need based on your specific situation.”
By blending internal champions with external partners, companies can maintain agility while scaling capability.
Data-Driven Cultures Are Built, Not Bought
At the end of the day, this isn’t about dashboards or platforms–it’s about behavior.
“You need to collect data on what your staff actually has access to,” Adler says. “And you need to communicate that information systematically, not just flood people with noise.”
Building a data-driven culture is iterative, personal, and leadership-led. It starts with clarity–and succeeds with consistency.
Want to turn data-driven strategy into daily decision-making? Data Society helps leadership teams operationalize data culture from the top down. Contact us to take the first step.
Q&A: Practical Steps for Leaders to Drive with Data
Many leaders assume it’s a technology problem. But according to Dmitri Adler, Co-Founder of Data Society, the real challenge lies in behavior, specifically, how decisions are made and communicated across the organization.
