Michael Saltzstein on Understanding the Data Illusion in Leadership Modern leaders have access to more data than any previous generation has had. Performance dashboards, real-time metrics, and detailed reports promise clarity and control, yet many organizations still struggle with misaligned strategies and unexpected risks. Michael Saltzstein highlights that the problem is rarely a lack of information. It is the assumption that numbers alone represent understanding. When leaders mistake data volume for insight, they expose themselves to hidden vulnerabilities. This false confidence can quietly shape decisions. Metrics may look reassuring, while deeper issues remain unexamined. Without proper interpretation, leaders can miss early warning signs, overestimate stability, or respond too late to emerging risks that sit outside predefined indicators. How the Data Illusion Takes Shape The data illusion occurs when leaders rely on dashboards as substitutes for t...