Skip navigation

Data-informed vs. data-driven decision making

While data-driven and data-informed approaches may sound similar, they can dramatically differ in how they influence leadership.

We're looking down from overhead at a team of people reviewing data together around a conference table.We're looking down from overhead at a team of people reviewing data together around a conference table.

Table of contents

Insights from Ellen Raim, Founder of People MatterWe focus more on solving than preventing People problems.

In the modern workplace, data-backed decisions are the gold standard. However, not all data-based decision-making is created equal.

While data-driven and data-informed approaches may sound similar, they can dramatically differ in how they influence leadership. Understanding the difference (and why being data-informed is superior) can significantly impact organizational success.

What’s the difference between data-driven and data-informed?

  • Data-driven decision-making relies heavily on data as the ultimate authority. Leaders depend solely on metrics, reports or dashboards to guide their decisions, often ignoring their instincts, team input or context.
  • Data-informed decision-making involves using data as one component of the decision-making process. Leaders balance numbers with experience, intuition and team insights.

While being data-driven may seem objective, it has limitations. Rigid reliance on numbers can strip decisions of creativity, empathy or nuance.

Data doesn’t tell the whole story — it reflects what happened but not always why. Data-informed leaders understand this distinction. They use data to enhance their judgment, not replace it.

4 reasons why data-informed decision-making is superior

  1. Data-informed decision-making considers the full picture. Numbers are powerful, but context matters. Leaders who blend data with human insight make better, more holistic decisions.
  2. It fosters critical thinking. Being data-informed requires leaders to analyze, interpret and challenge the data rather than unquestioningly accepting it.
  3. It values human judgment. Managers bring experience, instincts and an understanding of team dynamics that no dashboard can replicate.
  4. It encourages flexibility. Data changes quickly, and being data-informed allows leaders to adapt instead of getting stuck in rigid, data-driven strategies.

In short, data should guide leaders, not dictate their choices. Great managers know when to trust the numbers and when to rely on their expertise.

7 training topics to support data-informed decision-making

Organizations need targeted training to develop leaders who are data-informed. The following topics can help managers learn how to balance data with judgment:

  1. Interpreting data for context: Teach managers to understand why data matters, not just what it says. Focus on identifying patterns, trends and outliers.
  2. Critical thinking and problem-solving: Build the skills to question assumptions, explore multiple perspectives and validate findings with qualitative insights.
  3. Effective communication of data insights: Help managers communicate what the data shows, why it’s relevant and how it aligns with their team’s goals.
  4. Balancing data with intuition: Train leaders to recognize when their experience or team input adds context that data can’t provide.
  5. Scenario analysis and decision modeling: Encourage leaders to explore “what-if” scenarios to test decisions before fully committing.
  6. Bias awareness in data interpretation: Help managers identify and minimize unconscious biases that can skew how they use data to make decisions.
  7. Data storytelling: Equip managers with the skills to use data to craft narratives that inspire action, not just deliver facts.

Build better leaders through data-informed training

Great decisions happen when managers use data as a tool, not a crutch.

By teaching leaders to be data-informed, organizations empower them to make smarter, more well-rounded choices that consider both the metrics and the bigger picture. After all, the best decisions are made with data and human insight.

Learn live. Adapt faster.

Latest resources

Learn more about creating a culture of learning throughout our resources below.

From friendly check-ins to coaching: How to turn manager 1:1s into growth engines
Electives team
 
Apr 24, 2025

From friendly check-ins to coaching: How to turn manager 1:1s into growth engines

Help managers turn 1:1s into real growth conversations with coaching prompts, development goals and practical tools that support learning.
Leadership + management
Electives appoints DraftKings' CPO Linda Aiello to board amid record quarter
Electives team
 
Apr 22, 2025

Electives appoints DraftKings' CPO Linda Aiello to board amid record quarter

Industry veteran joins modern learning platform reshaping how companies build real skills at scale
In the news + press releases
From busy to better: How to build a learn-it-all culture at work
Electives team
 
Apr 22, 2025

From busy to better: How to build a learn-it-all culture at work

Learn how to build a learn-it-all culture with practical habits, manager support and systems that make growth part of everyday work.
Culture + collaboration
Mental Health Awareness Month: A guide for people leaders
Electives team
 
Apr 22, 2025

Mental Health Awareness Month: A guide for people leaders

Here are seven ways you can celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this May or throughout the year.
Culture + collaboration
Mental Health Awareness Month: 5 ways to support employees
Electives team
 
Apr 22, 2025

Mental Health Awareness Month: 5 ways to support employees

Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated throughout May, was established to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues, help reduce the stigma around mental health and recognize the importance of mental wellness.
Culture + collaboration
Thriving in the skills economy
Electives team
 
Apr 16, 2025

Thriving in the skills economy

In the skills economy, value is defined by what people can do—not what’s on their resume. Here’s how organizations and employees can adapt and grow.
Culture + collaboration

View all posts

ENJOYABLE. EASY. EFFECTIVE.

Learning that works.

With live learning + AI simulations, Electives is a learning platform that makes it easy to design, execute and measure effectiveness.

Request a demo

Request a demo

Learn more

Learn more