From Ardern and Merkel to Bolsonaro: the data leadership lessons from COVID

Our truly globalized world has never faced such widespread and longstanding disruption. Governing leaders are having to constantly make decisions based on the rapidly changing situation – each required to understand the data and apply it to policy or an action as they navigate this unprecedented event.

While every decision taken today is being scrutinized, it will take time before the dust settles and we’ll be able to look back holistically at the data from the time to find out who took the right approach.

But that’s not to say that there aren’t lessons we can learn today from how leaders across the world have embraced (or not) leading with data. For, after all, the story of COVID will be told in data sets – how they were interpreted, the action taken and how each and every life was impacted as a result.

Here are my initial thoughts on lessons in the art of data decision making:

Act when the data tells you to

New Zealand introduced amongst the earliest and toughest self-isolation measures in the world. Jacinda Ardern reacted overnight to changing scientific advice to not only cancel the national memorial event for the Christchurch shooting and introduce self-isolation measures for new visitors, but soon after brought in a complete lockdown. The impact this had on the early transmission rates compared to other countries during that period was remarkable.

Ardern’s ability to act quickly based on the data put New Zealand on a completely different trajectory to that seen across much of the rest of the world. She exemplified the importance of leaders arming themselves with real-time information – particularly in such rapidly changing situations – to take decisive, informed action quickly. This is an area that Qlik research with IDC revealed nearly half of global business leaders (44%) already recognize is of critical importance to improve within their organization.

Use data storytelling to explain the all-important why

Over the course of the pandemic, our way of life has been completely disrupted. Lockdown closed our schools and offices and prevented us from leaving our homes except for the absolute essentials. Now, we’re social distancing and wearing face masks to protect others in shops and on transport. Our lives have undergone monumental change and understanding WHY these measures have been put in place is ultimately critical to its adherence – particularly in the long term.

Being able to articulate the insights that have informed decisions is critical skill for leaders that need people to embrace change. With a PHD in Physical Chemistry, Angela Merkel’s ability to clearly articulate the scientific basis behind her government’s lockdown exit strategy has received global acclaim - indeed, a clip of her speech has now been shared hundreds of thousands of times. A master in data storytelling, Merkel helped people understand the caution behind her optimism that Germany was ready to begin exiting lockdown was important in helping inspire responsible behaviour as more freedoms were given.

Make sure you can back up your ideas

When faced with the mass uncertainty characterised by this pandemic, it’s understandable that leaders want to take action – or at least be seen to take action. However, leadership isn’t about taking action for the sake of it. It is defined by taking the right action – something the two aforementioned leaders have shown should be informed by data. When leaders base their decisions off of their opinion or gut feel, they’re essentially gambling: whether that’s with their business or in this crisis, their country’s health. Jair Bolsonaro’s claims of having found a 'miraculous cure' to save Brazil is just one example of a trend we’ve seen from leaders across the world leading by opinion, not fact and certainly not data, and risking too much as a result.

What other key data leadership lessons have you learnt from leaders in all walks of life during COVID? Share your thoughts in the comments below.