Leadership for a digital world in the public service: Lesson 4

Welcome back to Lesson 4 of Leadership for a digital world in the public service!

In this week's lesson, you'll learn about Data Informed: The Datamindful leader and discover how to be thoughtful and mindful about data.

1. Watch a video explanation of Data Informed: The Datamindful leader

Data is arguably as valuable, if not more so, a modern leadership trait than digital. Because of this, it is important to define our world in broader terms than purely ‘digital’. A simple way to embody our relationship and connectedness to data is through DatamindfulnessTM.

Watch this video to learn briefly about the 5th mindset of modern leadership for a digital world. (2 min)

2. Reflect on your own experience

Based on the brief descriptions above, where would you place your own maturity currently for this mindset?

The Datamindful Mindset:

• Level 1: I'm aware of the Datamindful mindset.
• Level 2: I understand the Datamindful mindset.
• Level 3: I can evidence a Datamindful mindset.
• Level 4: I embody the Datamindful mindset.

One thing to notice as you become more data mindful as a leader is the importance of what data you use for decision making. Becoming data driven often means focussing on data or information that is stored or rooted in numbers of fact. Yet, if the gift of the digital age is our ability to reconnect with humanity, is this holistic enough? Think about decisions that are so complex they require discernment or the application of intuition.

3. Use the suggestions and articles below to help you develop and nurture your Datamindful Mindset

Datamindful levels 1 & 2

Learn: Read Do you know your data ABCs? to learn the essentials of using and interpreting data. (6 min)

Think: Start to observe the data that flows through your daily practice: The data you create, receive, share, change, archive or delete.

Do: Explore Apolitical's Data and Digital Directory: 100 places for public servants to learn for free, and choose a resource or two to explore.

Datamindful levels 3 & 4

Learn: Read What ethnography and 'thick data' will mean for policymaking to learn about more human-centred, holistic data. (8 min)

Think: As a leader who is evidencing maturity in specific areas of this mindset you may want to start thinking about how you can focus on reducing the number of decisions you make, so delegate or automate transactional and simple past orientated decisions in favour of spending more time on future focussed and strategic decisions. Start tiny and work from there.

Do: Explore Apolitical's Data and Digital Directory: 100 places for public servants to learn for free, and choose a resource or two to explore.

Picture credit: Unsplash