Business leaders often hire business psychologists to help them understand the psychological dynamics of key people making important decisions, making agreements, and closing deals.

But a new kind of business psychologist with an even deeper tool bench has emerged in recent years.

This new breed of experts in human and organizational behavior use data-driven analysis to predict behavior and provide strategies that increase positive outcomes. They can determine the psychological and emotional makeup of key company players without the use of common tests and interviews. Instead, they employ unique databases and predictive analytics to gather information and determine how people will act, think, and make decisions in real time. This time- saving approach facilitates less invasive and more efficient development of problem-solving strategies to resolve difficult business issues.

The data-driven understanding of business processes that these professionals bring to the table—combined with their specific knowledge of the psychological dynamics of deal makers, how to close complex sales, and conflict resolution— give them the unique ability to create ever more powerful influence strategies.