Most organizations get data strategy wrong...
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    Most organizations get data strategy wrong...

    Data Strategy
    Playing to Win
    AI

    This might sound bold, but many data strategies fail to align with established strategy definitions used in business.

    Why does this matter?

    Becoming data-driven is a company-wide effort, requiring value creation in the business and collaboration across disciplines. This cannot succeed if there is no clear understanding of what a ‘data strategy’ truly entails—what problems it solves, and what it does not.

    What are organizations getting wrong?

    In my experience, these are the three major misconceptions about data strategy:

    1. A data strategy is NOT a plan to build data capabilities. Plans are essential, but they are outputs of strategy work—not the strategy itself. Plans focus on execution and timelines, while strategies guide deliberate choices under uncertainty.

    2. A data strategy is NOT a set of guidelines for how data is gathered, stored, processed and analyzed. While technical foundations are critical, guidelines alone do not constitute strategy.

    3. A data strategy is NOT a supplement to business strategy. It does not describe how data creates value and competitive advantage for the organization.

    Then, what is a data strategy?

    A data strategy is the strategy for the data, analytics, and AI function. It is a theory for how data teams win with their internal customers by delivering data products and analytical services.

    If a data strategy does not define how organizations create a competitive advantage with data, analytics, and AI, then what does?

    The answer is simple: the business strategy. Business strategy defines how the organization aims to win—either with or without data and AI. Data-related strategic choices are part of the business strategy, not separate from it.

    What strategic approach can help make data & AI work in an organization?

    The Playing to Win framework enables organizations to:

    1. Embed data innovation into business strategy.
    2. Design effective data strategies for internal teams.

    When done right, this fosters shared understanding between business and data teams.

    I have developed a detailed playbook for data strategy, complete with practical examples. Check out the link in the comments.

    Do you agree, disagree, or have thoughts to share? Let us continue the conversation in the comments—I look forward to your perspectives.