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Jordan Morrow
Senior Vice President of Data & AI Transformation at AgileOne

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Navigating the Future: How Organizations Can Thrive in 2023 & Beyond

March 2023

Summary

Data literacy has become a vital skill in today's data-centric world, yet it often appears daunting to many. Jordan, VP and Head of Data and Analytics at Brainstorm, provided valuable insights into the application of data literacy across organizations, highlighting the significance of a data-literate workforce. Drawing from his experience in advising companies and writing the BData trilogy, he emphasized the need to create a setting where data is not only generated but also effectively used to guide business strategies. He explained that every employee, irrespective of their role, must understand and work with data to ensure organizations can use data for strategic decision-making. He also addressed the hurdles faced by organizations in promoting data literacy, including fear and resistance to change, the critical role of executive support, and the need for personalized training programs. Through real-life stories and examples, Jordan showcased how data literacy programs can revolutionize organizations, referring to the U.S. Army's significant progress in this domain. He underscored the importance of a culture that promotes questioning and critique of data and urged organizations to start with small initiatives to demonstrate the value of data literacy. Additionally, he highlighted the role of human intuition in data-centric decision-making, dispelling the myth that technology will replace human roles.

Key Takeaways:

Data literacy is the ability to read, work with, analyze, and communicate data.
A data-literate workforce is vital for using data to guide business strategies.
Fear of data and resistance to change are common obstacles to data literacy.
Executive support is critical for successful data literacy initiatives.
Creating a culture that promotes questioning and critique of data is essential.

Deep Dives

The Importance of Data Literacy

Data literacy is not just a popular t ...
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erm; it's a critical competency for modern organizations. Jordan defines it as the ability to read, work with, analyze, and communicate data. This capability is necessary for individuals to thrive in today's technology-driven environment. As he points out, "we're living in this amazing world of technology and data," yet many people lack formal education in these areas. Hence, data literacy aims to fill this gap by equipping people with the confidence and skills to use data effectively. The goal is to empower employees to make smarter data-driven decisions that align with organizational objectives. While tools and technology are important, they are insufficient without a workforce that understands how to use them. Data literacy ensures that all employees, not just data professionals, can contribute to the organization's data strategy, thus democratizing data access and utilization.

Overcoming Fear and Resistance

A significant hurdle in promoting data literacy is overcoming the fear and resistance that often accompanies change. Many people find data intimidating due to complex terminologies like AI and machine learning. Jordan emphasizes that the human element cannot be eliminated in data-driven decision-making processes. "People fear what they don't know," he says, suggesting that education is key to dispelling these fears. By involving individuals in data projects and leveraging their unique skills, organizations can reduce apprehension and build confidence. He advises against mandatory training emails, which people tend to ignore, and instead recommends strategic communication and personalized training to address individual gaps. By creating an environment of learning and curiosity, organizations can encourage employees to embrace data literacy as a tool for empowerment rather than a threat to their roles.

The Role of Executive Support

Executive buy-in is vital for the success of data literacy programs. Without support from the top, initiatives can be easily thwarted or deprioritized. Jordan stresses the importance of finding a C-suite champion who is enthusiastic about data literacy. This support is vital for securing resources and aligning data initiatives with business strategies. He suggests that organizations appoint a Chief Data Officer to lead these efforts, ensuring that data strategy is integrated into the overall business strategy. Executives must understand that data literacy is not about replacing human intuition but enhancing it. By showcasing proof of concepts where data-driven decisions have led to success, organizations can demonstrate the value of data literacy to senior leaders and encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Creating a Culture of Questioning

For data literacy to flourish, organizations must cultivate a culture that encourages questioning and critique of data. Jordan highlights the importance of being open to scrutiny, stating, "We need to be okay with people critiquing our data." This openness helps identify errors and improve data quality, leading to more informed decision-making. Encouraging employees to ask questions about the data they use promotes a culture of transparency and accountability. By normalizing data discussions and making them part of the organizational fabric, companies can ensure that data literacy becomes an integral part of their operations. This cultural shift requires a concerted effort to educate employees on how to critically evaluate data and understand its implications, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a more data-centric organization.