In today’s data-driven world, businesses are increasingly reliant on their ability to leverage information effectively. This has led to a growing demand for data literacy, not just within data-focused teams, but across all levels of an organisation. And a greater understanding of what data is, how you use your data, and the impact of both poor-quality data and great data across your organisation.
Oakland, which has a proven track record in business improvement and transformation, has joined forces with Data Literacy Academy. This strategic partnership combines Oakland’s expertise in data strategy and technical implementation with the Data Literacy Academy’s specialised knowledge and resources in developing data literacy skills.
Why a Two-Way Street Approach to Data Literacy Matters
The partnership is built on the fundamental understanding that data literacy is a two-way street. It’s not just about data professionals understanding business needs; it’s equally important for business leaders and decision-makers to understand the potential and limitations of data. This two-way communication is essential for organisations to unlock the true value of their data and make informed decisions. Far too often, businesses work in siloed ways without communicating effectively, which can lead to missed opportunities.
Addressing the Evolving Landscape of Data and Business Leadership
The partnership acknowledges the evolving landscape of data roles and leadership. We are seeing a new wave of data leaders emerging, often with strong business acumen but limited technical expertise. This creates a crucial need to help these leaders bridge the gap between data capabilities and business strategy.
Everyone talks about the value gap of what people can achieve through data. Teams are particularly poor at defining or even trying to define ROI metrics. Back to the two-way street approach. Business people must share what problems or opportunities they are trying to create using data, and data people need to be able to translate the technology, what it delivers, and how it works.
Often, data literacy, or data training as most people call it, is seen along with data governance as a tick-box exercise. They don’t understand how to execute education in the right way to achieve the outcomes they are looking for. You don’t get endless chances to make people see the value in becoming data literate, so you have to get it right.
The Rise of AI and the Need for Support
The growth of AI is opening up the use of data to everyone. AI is probably powering half of the applications you use every day. It’s easy to think of AI as a chatbot or ChatGPT, but if you are tasked with how your business should use AI, that becomes tricky, and if you’re responsible for coming up with that solution, then it becomes even more challenging.
For AI to realise its full potential, it must move on from the chatbot. It must be process native. You need to design AI capabilities into your processes. It’s not just a technology solution. This involves a whole new level of data literacy!
There is a lot of groundwork to be done so businesses are truly ready for AI, and have the skillset needed to drive value from it. We believe this is an incredible opportunity; people shouldn’t be fearful. AI gives your data the opportunity to talk – just imagine what it can tell you. But you must be able to walk before you can run. You must be data literate before you can become AI literate.
Our Partnership’s Goals: Building Bridges and Fostering Growth
This collaboration aims to achieve two key objectives:
- Embedding Data Literacy Early On: Unlike traditional IT projects, data initiatives often lack a focus on user training and adoption. The partnership aims to address this by highlighting the importance of data literacy and embedding it throughout the entire transformation journey, from initial planning to implementation and ongoing use.
- Bridging the Imagination Gap and Empowering Growth: Through a clear understanding that people and technology have equal value. Our partnership aligns perfectly with that mission by equipping individuals with the data literacy skills needed to understand the “art of the possible” and make informed decisions that drive growth.
By bridging the gap between data and business understanding, this partnership empowers individuals and businesses to unlock the true potential of data. Ultimately, it’s about enabling freedom and growth through a deeper understanding of data and its potential applications.
What does our partnership look like?
Our customers will have the opportunity to get support on the technology side, as well as the people side. When training and data culture change is needed, Data Literacy Academy will set up an impactful change management programme to enable teams. Supported by Oakland through strategic planning and technical implementation.
All too many technology programmes end in disappointment. With our combined expertise, our goal is that no business needs to experience failed technology projects again, because they had the professional resources to do it right the first time.
Mastering the 5 Stages of a Successful Data Project
We’re determined to turn the tide of lacklustre data projects, which is why we have created our new guide. A blueprint to mastering the 5 Stages of a Successful Data Project.
Download the guide, and you’ll learn:
- Insider tips to align your data and business strategies, avoiding the dreaded silo effect
- Actionable strategies to ensure your data projects are eagerly adopted across the board
- Real-life anecdotes to illustrate the dos and don’ts of data project management