Data generation is simple. It is not difficult to ensure it is useful, reliable, and actionable. It’s not possible to “crack” data. It’s a continuous process for all companies, even the most successful. You need to make sure that everyone in your team is data-literate.
Data is only useful if it is understood correctly. A data-driven team with a better understanding of data will be more successful.
Even the most hateful of math can benefit from knowing more data to help them show the effects of their work. Data is a great tool to help you understand why a strategy works or doesn’t work. This will allow you to make better decisions and avoid making the same mistakes next time.
How can data literacy be made the default standard within your company?
1. Check that there is an owner.
Clear communication should be made about who owns the data at each level of your organization. Talk to others and find out who the experts are. You can then document it so that other team members with questions will be able to find the answers they need.
2. Choose tools that your team understands
Modular analytics allow you to personalize your visualizations so that team members can better understand what data is telling. This is a great example for making data work for your team, instead of struggling with tools that display data in a difficult-to-understand way. Also, it can be a huge help to name things in a meaningful way.
3. Teach
There are many benefits to teaching data literacy at your company, whether you give a talk at lunchtime or send out useful information via Slack. You should make it a part of your on boarding process. In this way, you can tell new team members what data literacy is and how they can improve their skills.
4. Encourage questions about data interpretation
Data can be strengthened and validated if you have a wide range of perspectives. Data is human and can be flawed. It’s important to include as many people as possible in data interpretation. Asking questions such as, “What’s missing?”, and “How can we get closer to our goals?” are great conversation starters that will help you uncover more about what your data is telling.
Data Literacy Training empowers team members and makes cross-functional collaboration more efficient and effective. There are many methods to help team members navigate the complex world of information. But it is important to make sure your company promotes data literacy across all levels. This might include granting time to each individual or rewarding them for their data literacy. It doesn’t matter what the data journey of your company looks like.
