Mastering Your First 90 Days as Head of Data
Essential Strategies for Building Relationships, Assessing Data Assets, and Driving Quick Wins in Mid-Sized Companies
Hello, everyone! Welcome back to another episode. It's great to have you here with us today. We're diving into a guide for newly appointed heads of data in companies. If you're stepping into this critical role, I'll be walking you through the strategic steps you should take in the first few weeks and months to effectively establish and lead a data team. Let's get started!
Today, we'll focus on five key areas:
1. Initial C-suite Engagement: Building relationships and understanding executive priorities.
2. Assessment of Current Data Assets: Identifying existing business applications, databases, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
3. Strategic Planning: Creating a prioritized list of initiatives based on business value and available data.
4. Infrastructure Development: Starting with basic, cost-effective data infrastructure and tools.
5. Quick Wins and Feedback: Delivering initial results to build trust and gathering feedback for improvement.
The initial c-suite engagement
In your first week as head of data, the most important task is to connect with the C-suite. Schedule meetings with all the executives, or as many as you can. This step is crucial because you'll be serving these leaders, and you need to understand their priorities and pain points. Instead of focusing solely on data, have broad conversations about the company's processes and challenges. This approach will help you uncover where data can make a significant impact.
Ask each executive about the top three questions they need answers to. Determine whether these questions are currently being addressed manually, through automated processes, or not at all. This initial engagement will provide you with valuable insights and help you identify key areas where data can drive business value.
The assessment of current data assets
Once you have a good grasp of executive priorities, it's time to dive into the company's existing data landscape. In your second week, visit the IT team to learn about the business applications and databases in use. Understanding what data you already have is crucial for identifying gaps and potential opportunities.
Gather a list of KPIs from various departments like sales, marketing, and development. Knowing what metrics teams are currently tracking will help you align your strategy with their needs. This comprehensive assessment will set the foundation for your data initiatives.
The strategic planning
By the third week, you should have a clearer picture of the company's data assets and the key questions from the C-suite. Now, it's time to prioritize. Create a simple spreadsheet listing all the initiatives based on the information you've gathered. Include the estimated business value of each initiative, and map out which data sources can be used to address them.
This prioritized list will guide your efforts, ensuring that you focus on high-impact projects first. Collaborate with the IT team and other engineers to verify your assumptions and refine your plans. This collaborative approach will help you gain support and ensure the feasibility of your initiatives.
The infrastructure development
In the fourth week, start building out a basic data infrastructure. You don't need expensive tools to begin with. Opt for low-risk, low-cost options. For instance, you can use Metabase for data visualization before upgrading to more sophisticated platforms like Tableau or Power BI. Similarly, choose a cost-effective data warehouse solution that offers a free tier or trial period.
Focus on setting up an ELT solution to streamline data integration. The goal is to create a functional, yet scalable infrastructure that can grow as your needs evolve. Demonstrating early success with these tools will help you justify further investments in more advanced technologies.
Quick wins and feedback
As you approach the end of your first month, it's time to deliver some quick wins. Address the easiest questions first to show immediate value. This will build trust with the executives and demonstrate your ability to solve real business problems.
Follow up with the C-suite to gather feedback. Are they satisfied with the initial results? Do they have new priorities or additional questions? Use this feedback to refine your approach and identify new opportunities. Building a feedback loop ensures that your efforts remain aligned with executive expectations and business needs.
Takeaways
In summary, your first few weeks as head of data are all about understanding the company's needs, assessing existing data assets, and delivering quick wins to build trust. Engage with the C-suite to align your efforts with executive priorities, assess your current data landscape, create a strategic plan, develop basic infrastructure, and deliver early results to gather valuable feedback. This approach will set you up for success and pave the way for more ambitious data projects in the future.
Thanks for tuning in! Stay curious, stay informed, and we'll see you in the next episode.