• Unit 3: The Role of Leadership

    Leadership is another component of the DDDM change model. It is not a continuum like data/technology, people/organization, and processes/workflow, but it must be present throughout the implementation. Unfortunately, many leaders don't understand their role in implementing and utilizing DDDM in their organizations. More than ever, leaders need to understand the value of DDDM, how they are instrumental to its success, and why they need the confidence to question everything they see. This unit will cover how leadership is a critical success factor in becoming a DDDM, compare leadership's role to other success factors, and summarize how good leadership impacts DDDM implementation and use.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • explain why leadership is considered the leading critical success factor in becoming a data-driven decision-making organization;
      • contrast the role of leadership with other success factors, such as, a well-defined business challenge, the right personnel or integrating data findings into the organization; and
      • summarize what comprises good leadership in implementing data-driven decision-making.

    • 3.1: The Role of Leadership

      • Leadership Needs in the 21st Century Book

        The world of business is ever-changing, which brings new challenges for leaders. To continue to be effective, they will have to learn and embrace new leadership models based on globalization, decentralization, and diversity needs, to name a few. Read this article to learn about the challenges leaders face and think about how data-driven decision-making will help them meet them.

      • Becoming a Data Driven PM Page

        Watch this video to learn how product managers utilize data-driven decision-making in their positions and how DDDM informed their work.

      • Embracing Big Data and Data Analytics Book

        Leaders across a variety of industries realize the benefits of data analytics in their organization's decision-making support. Many realize that the greatest challenge is not the technology or even the personnel but a lack of leadership. Read this article to learn the key characteristics and attitudes a leader responsible for implementing DDDM must encompass and how these characteristics are used in a healthcare setting.

    • 3.2: Leadership versus Other Critical Success Factors

      • Leadership and Innovation Book

        Leadership is a critical success factor in many disciplines, including project management, six sigma, and data analytics. This article explores how important leadership is in the innovation process. Leadership is one of the best predictors of innovation success and is regarded as a critical success factor for DDDM implementation and management.

    • 3.3: What Is Effective Leadership?

      • Effecitve Leaders Page

        People often evaluate effective leaders based on personality or leadership traits. These traits can vary from leader to leader. Read this article to explore some of the more common characteristics that are indicators of effective leadership. Also, learn how to differentiate between task-centered versus employee-centered leadership behavior and the various leadership styles. Be sure to answer each of the practice questions to evaluate your understanding of leadership traits and styles.

      • Effective vs. Poor Leadership Page

        Another way to learn about effective leadership is by examining the successes and failures of other leaders. By examining other leaders, you can learn what you should emulate from their successes and avoid their failures. Read this article to explore examples of well-known leaders on both ends of the leadership spectrum. Keep in mind that it is very easy to go from being considered an effective leader to being recognized as a poor leader through a series of mishaps.

      • Leadership Development Practices Page

        To ensure they have a pipeline of effective leaders, organizations usually implement leadership development programs. The challenge is maintaining the momentum once the initial classes and development take place. Read this article to learn the four steps organizations should take to monitor the program's success and make sure they are producing the leaders they desire.

    • Study Guide: Unit 3

      We recommend reviewing this Study Guide before taking the Unit 3 Assessment.

    • Unit 3 Assessment

      • Unit 3 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.