How many of us feel like every time we work on a data and analytical project we are putting out a fire? With the world in an unprecedented lockdown situation, there is a lot of “reactive” work going into data, analytics, visualizations and the like. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of misinformation and incomplete information going around, potentially negatively impacting that work.
As I sit and think, I feel reactive analytics was a problem in the data and analytical world even before our current situation.Why is this? Why do we sit in a perpetual state of reacting to things, instead of looking ahead and proactively projecting, or better yet, forecasting and setting trends? I feel a lack of data literacy and truly understanding data and analytical strategy play a big part.
In a conversation with a friend on this topic, we determined there is an amazing opportunity, right now, for companies to seize on proactive data and analytics. Data and analytics demand usage in the future, not only from companies, but also from individuals. Imagine a world where, instead of reacting to situations, we have built out proactive models that enable us to “predict” the future. Imagine a data and analytical world where we cannot just put out fires, but use analytics to set the market trends, not react to them. Imagine a world where you, as an individual, use data and analytics to make decisions that can greatly impact your life.
One thing we should all be focusing on is how we can use data and analytics to help us come out of the current situation and be in a position of strength for the future. Each of us, individually and organizationally, has the opportunity to be proactive – not reactive – in analytics. How do we do this? I want to focus on three key pieces:
Overall, ours is a time we will look back and reflect on as potentially the most surreal of our lives. During this time, where we are reacting a lot, we can set the tone for a lot more proactive work. Each of us and our organizations can develop skills in data literacy, become more outcome focused and learn more about data-informed decision making.
To do so, study our data literacy program for free courses to empower yourself. Then, jump into the blog posts from Qlik’s Chief Learning Office Kevin Hanegan to learn more about data-informed decision making.