Becoming a data-driven business is not just about hiring smart people and acquiring cutting-edge technology. The key to success is creating a data culture that sticks and drives lasting workforce engagement and motivation.

Digital transformation requires people to adapt to major changes and new skills to leverage data. As more digital tools are adopted, it is technical but also interpersonal skills that will gain importance. This month’s newsletter explores articles about these topics to highlight the impact and interrelation of culture, skillsets, and external data.

If you’re interested in these topics, you should sign up to receive the Data Sharing Blueprint as soon as it launches. Working together with industry stakeholders, we outline ways to build common understanding, drive innovation and create business impact with data. Sign up here.
 

 
This month’s key questions to consider are:
  1. What tools or techniques have you used to create a culture that sticks?
  2. How does your company leverage external data to supplement decision-making?
  3. What skills do you think will be important for the workforce of the future?
 
 
 

ESTABLISHING A CULTURE THAT STICKS
 

HBR: "10 Step to Creating a Data-Driven Culture"

 
In this article, the author explains that many attempts to become more data-driven often fail because of culture. Establishing a data-driven culture starts at the top of the company, with the leadership. By paving the way and building a transparent path towards data, people will be motivated and engaged. This article presents different steps that businesses can use to establish a culture that sticks. It’s easy to fall back into old processes as they represent comfort and ease. But by pushing yourself and your business to get out of the comfort zone you’ll be able to reap the rewards of your hard work.
 
 
 
 

USING EXTERNAL DATA TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS

 
 

MIT Sloan: "Why external data should be part of your data strategy" 

 
Leveraging external or third-party data gives your business the ability to look beyond internal understanding and incorporate it in your decision-making. This data could come from almost anywhere, whether that be customers, vendors, or third-party databases. Interestingly, a research report conducted by MIT Sloan also found that those who are willing to share data could increase their influence in the industry ecosystem. Using external data can help validate assumptions by giving real-world context to your decisions, knowing customers better, and knowing what other options you have.
 
 
 
 
A WELL-ROUNDED TOOLBOX OF TECHNICAL AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
 

McKinsey: "Building workforce skills at scale to thrive during-and after-the COVID-19 crisis"

 
As many businesses incorporate digital solutions into their toolboxes, they see the need for new talent and different skillsets. To bridge the skill divide, many are turning to their existing workforce. According to this McKinsey & Company study, building new skills is one of the most common ways of bridging the ever-growing skill gap. However, getting the skill transformation right can be a difficult task. This article outlines what tools businesses can use to make the skill transformation more likely to be a success. In the future, both technical skills and interpersonal skills will be indispensable in building a successful workforce.
 
 
 
If any of these articles have sparked any ideas or questions that you may have, please reach out to me. Initiating conversation and creating awareness is how we will be able to succeed in our journey of eliminating downtime.
 
- Søren Brogaard, CEO Trackunit
 
 
 
Trackunit
Gasvaerksvej  24
DK-9000 Aalborg
 

 
 

 

    .   

 

Copyright @2021 Trackunit

Gasværksvej 24 • Aalborg, Nordjylland 9000 • Denmark • Click here to unsubscribe.