Given the constant changes the HR profession is facing, strategies need to be developed, aligned and dynamically applied based on data to optimize organizational outcomes. Being aware of how the HR professional must zig while others zag is an art that can be based on some science. Developing, understanding and converting data and analytics into insights and actions and how it can be leveraged as a key part of HR thought leadership will enable more evidence based decisions. These decisions will provide the HR function with the credibility and organizational support to drive a high performing culture and support achieving critical outcomes. All too often, HR leaders find themselves spending too much time on tactical activities without clear linkage and visibility to the bigger organizational picture.