The way communication is the key to the conversation; data is the key to future possibilities. Data Literacy is the proficiency to collect, manage, evaluate, and apply data critically. Data literates can ask and answer relevant questions using data. They transform the data by questioning the results of data analysis.
Most importantly, data literacy makes it possible for people to argue logically using the data. It gives team members the reliability to support their cases and helps prevent harmful conflicts from passionate discussions.
Only some people need to reach the same level of fluency as a data scientist. The story of data literacy required by each employee will differ depending on their role. It also depends on the ability of individuals to deal with data. Hence, it’s necessary that everyone at the table feels comfortable and confident when participating in discussions involving data.
Data literacy allows people to have strong, positive, and productive debates based on facts. It’s similar to how, in a debate competition, you were asked to debate for the side you disagree with. You are forced to look at data, statistics, and facts. Similarly, in business, the best decisions aren’t the ones you make with your gut. Having the proper dashboards, metrics, insights, and understanding of what the data indicates gives you the capability to make these decisions more rationally.
Increasing data literacy in all employees can bring new ideas to the discussion. It maintains productive & positive debates that guide better decision-making and innovations. Data literacy helps employees & professionals to be independent decision-makers adding to quality output. It improves reasoning abilities that drive enhanced individual & team effort for an organisation.
