How to improve data literacy

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How to improve data literacy

Every company thinks they're data driven these days slapping it across job descriptions, company websites, and shouting it at all hands like it's a secret sauce to success. But, when you ask a company how they know they’re data driven the answer is usually a blank stare followed by "Um, we have a data team" or "We look at dashboards every week."

The reason companies can never get to the level of data obsession that I talk about in this article

is because they’re fundamentally approaching data driven, obsession, literacy, etc. in the wrong way. It's about creating a culture where everyone understands, speaks, and breathes the same language.

What is data literacy?

Data literacy is the ability to read, understand, create, and communicate with data. It's like any other language and you need to align on the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax to effectively communicate.

It means:

1. Understanding what metrics matter

2. Knowing how to access those metrics

3. Being able to analyze what's happening

4. Communicating insights effectively

5. Taking action based on those insights

Here’s what it’s not:

• Everyone is a data scientist

• Everyone knows every metric

Why data literacy is important

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