Nowadays, building a data-driven culture in your company is essential. Thanks to data you can make informed decisions, optimize operations and secure a significant competitive advantage. But moving from a more traditional culture to one based on data does not simply imply an investment in new technologies: there is a need for a real change of paradigm and mindset at all levels of the organization and not just the top ones. So how can you develop a data-driven culture in your company, which opens the door to improvement and innovation?
Define a clear vision (and communicate it effectively)
Building a data-driven company culture is a process that must start from leadership. This, in fact, must establish a clear vision and precise planning on how the data will be used to improve business operations. Once established, this vision must be communicated at all levels of the company, because every single employee must be able to understand the importance of data and its role in business transformation, and not simply comply because they are forced. In companies like Amazon, for example, data orientation is now part of the corporate DNA.
Invest in tools and technologies
While the transition to a data driven culture in your company is not limited to the adoption of new technologies, it goes without saying that the adoption of new technologies is, in most cases, necessary. Having the right tools is essential to allow all members of the company to access, analyze and use data. For this reason you should think about investing in Business Intelligence, data visualization and data analysis platforms that are accessible even to those who are not experts in the sector. A valid product in this area is Data Prodigy, the 360° business intelligence platform for viewing and processing company data and creating customized reports.
Promote a mindset of innovation and learning
For data to become an integral part of business processes, leadership will have the role of promoting a mentality of innovation, experimentation and continuous learning. In fact, employees must not only feel encouraged to try new ways of doing things, but they must also be able to take an example from leadership. In short, focus on learning by imitation.
Thanks to this approach, you will not only foster innovation, culture and learning, but you will also encourage employees to step outside their comfort zone and give the best of themselves, in harmony with the company culture.
Training and Literacy
Of course, in the process of creating a data-driven culture in your company, you can’t expect all your employees to be familiar with analyzing and interpreting data. Even in companies dedicated to this, there are roles that have nothing to do with these issues, which is why it is essential to invest in training programs that improve data literacy and contribute to building a data driven culture. Make sure the training doesn’t just teach you how to use the tools, but also explains how to interpret the data and how to apply those interpretations in the business context.
Multidisciplinary Teams
To approach data management from multiple perspectives, it is useful to create teams made up of experts in different fields (for example analytics, business experts, engineers, etc.). This way everyone will provide their own perspective and be able to draw on that of others, and this will guarantee that the data all levels and departments will use data optimally.
Is building a data-driven company culture possible?
We are certainly talking about a path that requires commitment and strategy since we need to transform the way people – all people – think and make decisions within the company.
But, with decisive leadership, the right tools and adequate training. your company can become truly data-driven, with significant benefits in all areas.