Managing the Data Science Team

In managing a data science team, you must navigate a terrain quite distinct from traditional leadership contexts. The volatile nature of data science – with its reliance on machine learning and artificial intelligence – demands not just technical acumen but a nuanced approach to leadership. This chapter provides a concise exploration of effective management strategies tailored specifically to the high-stakes and high-innovation environment of data science.

We’ll start by examining the day-to-day management of data science teams, emphasizing the creation of a culture that values rapid experimentation and learns constructively from failure.

We will also discuss strategies to manage the inherent uncertainty in data science projects, with examples from Netflix that help in delivering incremental value.

Additionally, this chapter will address the balancing act between research-oriented and production-focused data science work...