4 Ways To Overcome Fear of Data
Why Fear of data
According to Tim Berners-Lee, who is the inventor of the World Wide Web, says
” Data is a precious thing and will last longer than the systems themselves.”
Isn’t then having precise and accurate data necessary to help you make well-informed decisions critical to taking your business forward. Then why is this Habit not grained deeply in our Organizational culture? Is it because we don’t understand the significance of the data, and we fear that the data available or generated is vast. It may be possible that people don’t have the necessary skill to process the data, which is why there is resistance. It is also possible that we don’t understand its impact on corporate culture, mainly when people are individually being evaluated. Does the resistance happen when clarity is not there on dealing with and addressing this data information? As it is appropriately said that information turns into knowledge only when we apply it to make decisions
Suddenly, there’s a lot of information available now about everything from as simple as operational decisions to employee evaluations, and cultures are slow to catch up.
Here are some of the ways to dispel the Fear of dealing with Data:
1) The objective must be clear: It’s essential to understand the “Why” aspect? Here, the direction is critical to understand, as it is more important than the journey itself. Furthermore, as the quantum of the data generated is enormous, it may be diverse as well. It is therefore vital to skim it appropriately to enable the individual to get appropriate data.
2) The leadership should support the initiative: Whenever a new initiative is launched, the leaders and the leadership team must support it publicly. Whenever and where ever they get the opportunity. Also, all the necessary resources should be provided to enable the individual or team to perform effectively and efficiently. This is how the culture of data will be built over a while.
3) Provide Training: The most appropriate and effective way to dispel any Fear is to train the individuals. This will help build up the awareness levels and help build up the understandings of the initiative. Also, during the training session, all concerns and doubts are to be addressed so that there is absolute clarity on the initiative’s objective. This also helps reduce the resistance which may be there.
4) Handling of Errors or Mistakes: Individuals fear and get nervous when they know that they will be evaluated. They resist when they are held accountable for their decisions, no matter how good the data may be for the business. They may be scared that if they make any errors, it may affect their jobs.
Conclusion:
The organization needs to dispel any fears around data. Simultaneously, it is also necessary to explain the benefits instead of making it sound like a “chore.” Organizations have to be sensitive to that need how data impacts and how the individuals interact with it. The organizations need to explain with clarity and certainty the responsibility and accountability of the actions of the individuals. Otherwise, being vague about it may delay or even derail the positive impact of data in the organization.
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