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Making data-driven decisions is easier said than done. In an ideal world, your decisions are driven by business insights. But how do you determine which business insights should shape your strategy – and how do you go about collecting the data you need, putting it in front of your organization, and leveraging it to guide your operations?
To learn how industry leaders are building tech stacks that support smarter decision-making, Laura Bumby, Senior Manager, Analytics and Automation, Bullhorn, sat down with the following leaders at Engage Boston:
- Bill Halnon, CIO, GHR
- Darrell Hunt, VP, North American Analytics, Manpower Group
- Genine Wilson, President, Travel Nurse and Allied, Ingenovis Health
- Lee Boelens, CIO, GDH
Read on for their tips on how to construct a tech stack that not only complements but enhances your data strategy, while also equipping your teams with the insights that will help drive smarter decisions.
Getting started: Creating a culture of data
Daunted by the prospect of shifting your company’s deeply rooted processes while adopting a modernized tech stack? You’re not alone. Our panel shared that they set themselves up for success by understanding the technology and the tech stack they’re building before jumping into the process. “But so much of that also involves creating a culture focused on data,” shared Bumby.
In order to drive adoption, start with a clear goal in mind and build value with data-driven insights. Leaning on data can help unlock any resistance you may experience. Leaders can drive momentum by putting information in front of stakeholders at the right time — shifting trust with real-time insights. Additionally, our panel suggested inviting collaboration and engaging your stakeholders in the organization to help look at potential different outcomes. The more employees value the data from the products you’ve invested in, the more they’ll use it. Pretty soon, you’ve become critical to that business strategy.
“What is it that you’re trying to solve for, really? What are those core priorities, and in what order do you need to tackle them in order to accomplish your goals?”
—Genine Wilson, Ingenovis Health
Prioritization is key: Essential components of a successful data strategy
One size fits all? Not in the recruitment industry. Start with a baseline of clean data, then incorporate your custom tools along with additional solutions for data delivery. With access to so many different tools and automations, start with a foundation that is clear on the timeline and communication plan.
“Everything goes back to benefiting the individuals that are producing.”
—Lee Boelens, GDH
Once your organization has a solid foundation, that platform can support additional content from new vendors and new relationships. Keep in mind that sequencing is about the prioritization of your business strategy. If your organization is adjusting after a tough year, you may need to focus on sales opportunities by driving more prospecting. Or you may have had a delivery-heavy year, in which case you’ll focus on driving efficiencies out of your recruiter base—incorporating new technologies and data to drive the delivery side of the business.
“If you’re dealing with a board, show them dashboards and get their buy-in. All of a sudden, the curtains are open and they go, ‘Wow, this is really great data and a great presentation that we can use to make decisions.’”
—Bill Halnon, GHR
Addressing the challenges: building good data quality takes time
In an accelerated environment, be mindful of change fatigue. Your organization will have to understand the rationale behind all of the changes they are being asked to incorporate. Some players may feel that it’s a distraction from what they’re trying to accomplish, so communication in advance of change fatigue is a core element of success.
Additionally, organizations don’t understand the difference between automation, AI, and analytics. Though these tools are often coupled for optimized results, it is important to know the differences. Invest the time into educating stakeholders about the nuances of each.
“The real success comes from when you ensure that the data strategy and the foresight of how you’re going to leverage that content are married with whatever technology strategy is happening.”
—Darrell Hunt, Manpower Group
Finally, recruitment is always changing. In a shifting environment, don’t wait for the perfect solution. “Just get started,” said Halnon. “Don’t try to develop the ultimate solution because we don’t know what that’s going to look like in two years. Things are changing so fast. Create a strategy for today, not for five years from now, and be ready to adapt.”
Want more insights from Engage Boston? Check out the Engage Content Hub for keynote videos, key takeaways, recap blogs, and more.
