I’m Looking For A Detailed Dataset In Equity and Inclusion

As inclusive leaders, we make several decisions that impact the individuals, teams and organizations we lead. What we decide can have business implications for weeks, months or even years to come. While some leaders make decisions based on their feelings, educated guess, gut or instinct, the best leaders consider the available data—allowing it to guide their choices.

Inclusive leaders use data to make the best decisions, but there’s a key difference between being data-driven and data-informed. While data-driven decisions rely mainly on numbers, data-informed decisions blend data with expertise and context. This balance helps us make better diversity, equity and inclusion choices. In 2023, in conjunction with CRN parent organization The Channel Company, I had the honor of hosting an Inclusion & Equity in Action Workshop. Attendees and I discussed how both approaches can guide us, but they differ in how much they factor in human judgment. Here is a peek at how data can inform inclusive and equitable decision-making.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Data-driven decision-making refers to a process where data is the primary driver of decision-making processes. It involves basing decisions solely on quantitative data and statistical analysis. In this approach, data is seen as the ultimate authority, and decisions are made by following the insight derived from data analysis and analytics. Data-driven decision-making often involves setting specific targets and using data to measure progress toward those goals.

While this can be helpful, it also has its limitations. In relying solely on data to drive our business we often are left without the tools to accommodate or adjust based on market conditions, changes in culture or even things outside our control. If we only look at the numbers, we are left with a limited vantage point from which to make pivots or changes. Where do we place the realities of our lived experiences when we are confined to harsh guidelines driven by a data-only approach?

Data-Informed Decision-Making

As a contrast to a data-driven approach to leadership, I encourage a data-informed decision-making process. By using data to inform business choices, inclusive leaders acknowledge the significance of data in the decision-making process but incorporate additional factors such as expertise, experience and current economic and social climates. While data plays a crucial role, it is not the sole determinant of decisions. Data is used to inform and guide decision-making, but other contextual factors and qualitative insight are also considered.

Key Differences Between The Two Approaches

Decision-making authority: In data-driven decision-making, data takes precedence and has the ultimate power to guide decisions. In data-informed decision-making, data is one of several factors considered, and decisions are influenced by a broader range of inputs.

Scope of decision-making: Data-driven decision-making is highly focused on quantitative data and analytical models. It aims to find definitive answers and tends to be more applicable to well-defined problems. Data-informed decision-making, however, incorporates both quantitative and qualitative insight. It is often used in situations where there is a higher level of uncertainty or ambiguity.

Human judgment: Data-driven decision-making tends to minimize the role of human judgment and relies heavily on data analysis. In data-informed decision-making, human judgment, expertise and intuition are valued alongside data. It recognizes that certain aspects of decision-making cannot be solely determined by data alone.

Overall, the main distinction lies in the extent to which data is the driving force behind decision-making. Data-driven decision-making is more rigid and relies primarily on data, while data-informed decision-making is more flexible, integrating data with other factors to make well-rounded decisions.

To be the most inclusive leaders, we must posit that data is important but not the sole determinant of what makes good decisions. I encourage every organization to be rigid in their data collection but flexible in its use because numbers only take us so far—it is the people that allow for great culture and successful long-term businesses.

Bearing that in mind, I have a call to action for you, my gentle reader. CRN parent The Channel Company is looking for a detailed dataset in equity and inclusion. The goal is to provide insight from channel leaders like you to assist our industry collectively understand the current and potential future of our business. Your input is essential to ensure we capture an accurate picture of the day-to-day realities of working in tech, specifically the channel.

By participating in the 2024 “State of Work Life in the Channel” survey, you’ll contribute to building a strong dataset that supports data-informed,inclusive decision-making. The survey results will be shared with you at the end of the year, offering valuable insight for everyone involved.

Click HERE to lend your insight to the survey.

Photo by Carlos Muza on Unsplash