Data literacy begins with the ability to read, write, and communicate data in context. Employees, not just data scientists need to be able to critically evaluate the data and find meaning in it. As well as gain actionable business insight. The best employees will be able to use data insights to achieve results. It is crucial that everyone within your organization. Not just the data analysts, has access to data. Your organization can make informed decisions when it is data-literate. Users are also able to use the data to discover new insights and opportunities. Your business’s future depends on how you put data to work, not just what it collects.
Why is data literacy important for every business?
Data literacy is for the 21st century what literacy used to be in the past century. It will help you achieve success and momentum. Everyone in an organization should be able to comprehend why data literacy is so important. Employees need to be able to use data to impact their daily activities and big-picture decisions. It can be used in a way that helps employees achieve their goals. Improve their work, and increase company performance. Accessing the data can streamline your business operations. And make them more efficient. Those who are familiar with the business will not have to wait for data scientists. This eliminates the bottleneck.
Data-literate employees will be able to manage data properly. Data literacy will help reduce data breaches. Employees currently account for 40% of security breaches.
How do you promote and start to build data literacy
Data literacy consulting will help increase your data literacy within your organization. If you follow the below-mentioned steps.
- Assess the level of data literacy in your organization. Do your managers have the ability to suggest new initiatives that are supported by relevant data? What percentage of people use data to make decisions today?
- Fluent data speakers and gaps are essential. Not only do data analysts need to be able to speak naturally about data. But also translators can help bridge the gap between business and data analysts. Also, you need to identify communication barriers. That prevents data from being used at its best.
- Communicate why data literacy matters. People who know the “why” behind initiatives are more likely than others to support training. Make sure you explain why this is important for your organization’s success.
- Access to data is essential. Everyone should be able to view, modify, analyze, and share data. This could involve locating technology. Such as a management dashboard or data visualization that will make it easier.
- Start small to create a data literacy program. Don’t try to launch a program for everyone at once. Start small and assess the “missed opportunities” in data. You can use what you learned in the pilot program. To adapt the program for the next round. Make your data literacy program engaging and fun. Data training doesn’t need to be boring.
- Be a leader and show others how important data insights are to your organization. This will demonstrate to the rest of the organization. The importance your team places on data in making decisions and supporting daily operations. Make sure that all proposals for new products and services. They are supported by relevant data and analytics. This will lead to a culture that values data and encourages data-first thinking.
Although every organization may have its path to data literacy. All organizations must begin this journey. Otherwise, they will not be able to compete in the business world of tomorrow. It is key to success. The more data-literate you are, the better your results will be.
