--- title: What does data literacy mean to you? description: Data literacy isn’t about turning everyone into data analysts - it’s about each of us finding our place in a new world of work. image: https://www.missiondrive.io/hubfs/What%20does%20data%20literacy%20mean%20to%20you.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.missiondrive.io/blogs/what-does-literacy-mean-to-you#main-content) Close - [Services](https://www.missiondrive.io/services) - [Hubspot](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/hubspot) - [Inbound Marketing](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/inbound-digital-marketing) - [Digital Sales](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/digital-sales) - [Creative Content](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/creative-content) - [Ethical Digital Marketing](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/ethical-digital-marketing) - [Data Training & Consultancy](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/data-training-and-consultancy) - [Contact](https://www.missiondrive.io/contact-us) - [About](https://www.missiondrive.io/about-mission-drive) - [Resources](https://www.missiondrive.io/resources) SEARCH [![logo](https://www.missiondrive.io/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGOTYPE_positive-100-2.jpg?width=1039&height=427&name=LOGOTYPE_positive-100-2.jpg "logo")](https://missiondrive.io/)[![Mission Drive](https://www.missiondrive.io/hs-fs/hubfs/logo.png?width=125&height=51&name=logo.png)](https://missiondrive.io/) - [Services](https://www.missiondrive.io/services) - [Hubspot](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/hubspot) - [Inbound Marketing](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/inbound-digital-marketing) - [Digital Sales](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/digital-sales) - [Creative Content](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/creative-content) - [Ethical Digital Marketing](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/ethical-digital-marketing) - [Data Training & Consultancy](https://www.missiondrive.io/services/data-training-and-consultancy) - [Contact](https://www.missiondrive.io/contact-us) - [About](https://www.missiondrive.io/about-mission-drive) - [Resources](https://www.missiondrive.io/resources) Quick results for "{search\_term}" - Menu Item 1 - Sub-menu Item 1 - Another Item - Sub-menu Item 2 - Menu Item 2 - Yet Another Item - Menu Item 3 - Menu Item 4 - Menu Item 1 - Sub-menu Item 1 - Another Item - Sub-menu Item 2 - Menu Item 2 - Yet Another Item - Menu Item 3 - Menu Item 4 - Menu Item 1 - Sub-menu Item 1 - Another Item - Sub-menu Item 2 - Menu Item 2 - Yet Another Item - Menu Item 3 - Menu Item 4 - Menu Item 1 - Sub-menu Item 1 - Another Item - Sub-menu Item 2 - Menu Item 2 - Yet Another Item - Menu Item 3 - Menu Item 4 - Menu Item 1 - Sub-menu Item 1 - Another Item - Sub-menu Item 2 - Menu Item 2 - Yet Another Item - Menu Item 3 - Menu Item 4 - Menu Item 1 - Sub-menu Item 1 - Another Item - Sub-menu Item 2 - Menu Item 2 - Yet Another Item - Menu Item 3 - Menu Item 4 ![shutterstock_558507064-595946-edited](https://www.missiondrive.io/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_558507064-595946-edited.jpg?width=300&name=shutterstock_558507064-595946-edited.jpg) ###### An inexpensive, quick and easy way to build beautiful responsive website pages without coding knowledge [LEARN MORE](https://www.missiondrive.io/guides-and-tools) HubSpot Our certified experts help you use HubSpot to power growth with automation, data insights and AI. 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[Download now](https://www.missiondrive.io/guides-and-tools) ###### Keep up to date with all of our latest blogs, events, webinars and new content [Subscribe](https://www.missiondrive.io/en/blogs#Newsletter-sign-up) ![](https://www.missiondrive.io/hs-fs/hubfs/What%20does%20data%20literacy%20mean%20to%20you.png?width=300&name=What%20does%20data%20literacy%20mean%20to%20you.png) [Simon Bullmore](https://www.missiondrive.io/blogs/author/simon-bullmore)17/6/2019 00:12 AM2 min read # What does data literacy mean to you? [Previous](https://www.missiondrive.io/blogs/5-simple-steps-to-develop-your-data-skills) [Next](https://www.missiondrive.io/blogs/developing-data-skills-for-leaders-start-with-culture-not-tech) **Data literacy isn’t about turning everyone into data analysts. It’s about each of us finding our place in a new world of work. It’s about tailoring our literacy to our needs.** Data is changing our world. And it’s not just about flashy AI technologies and apps in the tech sector. Data-powered technologies like automation are expected to [change a wide range of jobs](https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/25/these-workers-face-the-highest-risk-of-losing-their-jobs-to-automation.html) – from lawyers to waiters. We each need to know how we might need to adapt. This starts with being data literate. Understanding data in relation to our organisation and our sector, knowing how to interact with data, and analysing what impact data can have. But finding the right path forward isn’t easy. The world of data is both complex and fast-moving. There’s little consensus about what’s most important. Which is why most data literacy initiatives, particularly those that emerge from the tech sector, are focused on a narrow definition of literacy – using analytics tools to make better decisions. That’s an admirable focus. But it’s not one that’s relevant to everyone. Like [others](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2018/10/02/data-literacy-and-the-modern-enterprise/#39825de78d8f), at Mission Drive we’ve found that data literacy is context and role-specific which is why, whilst working at the [Open Data Insitute ](https://theodi.org/article/assessing-data-literacy-needs-in-government/)AI Author [Ellen Broad](https://twitter.com/ellenbroad) and I came up with this, high-level definition of data literacy. > “Data literacy is the ability to understand data, how you can interact with it and what impact it can have.” > > **The Open Data Institute** ### Little Mission – discover what data literacy means to you To get started with data literacy you need to unpick each element in the above definition. Here are the steps we suggest taking: 1. Assess your current ability to understand data and interact with it. How do you work with data? What data do you use? What tools do you use? What could you do better? Where could better data make a difference? What new concepts and ideas do you need to explore? 2. Explore the impact that data is having on you and your organisation. How is data used in your business? In your community and sector, how is data and tech changing things? What are your competitors and start-ups doing? Write down your answers, discuss them with your team, your peers, your managers. ## Data literacy is made to measure ![data literacy is made to measure](https://www.missiondrive.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/15919763006_a6f5deb916_o-2.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=15919763006_a6f5deb916_o-2.jpg) How we define our own level of literacy will depend on our context and needs. And it’s in this subjective, unique view, that data literacy differs from data skills. Data literacy is about what we each need. It’s not a one-size fit’s all uniform that we each need to squeeze into. It’s a status tailored to our individual values, goals and purpose. Data skills can be clearly defined, measured and developed. Which is why your next little mission needs to be about the steps you take to develop your skills. [![Click this to visit the page about a data literacy and strategy workshop for business leaders](https://www.missiondrive.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DataLit-Leaders-CTA-image-1-3-Jun-20-2023-09-27-00-2458-PM.png?width=960&height=540&name=DataLit-Leaders-CTA-image-1-3-Jun-20-2023-09-27-00-2458-PM.png)](https://missiondrive.io/dataliteracyworkshop-leaders) ![avatar](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/a02d4d979773954384fd0540d5ec91c7) #### [Simon Bullmore](https://www.missiondrive.io/blogs/author/simon-bullmore) Simon helps our clients develop effective growth strategies and data literacy programmes. With a background in business psychology, Simon has worked in data, business development and training for over 17 years. This includes leading the learning programme at the Tim Berners-Lee founded Open Data Institute, and the launch of Harvard Business School's first European office. [mailto:simonb@missiondrive.io](mailto:simonb@missiondrive.io) ## RELATED ARTICLES ![widescreen background_whiteongrey ](https://www.missiondrive.io/hs-fs/hubfs/widescreen%20background_whiteongrey%20.png?width=300&name=widescreen%20background_whiteongrey%20.png) ![Mission Drive Logo - white](https://www.missiondrive.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Mission%20Drive%20Logo%20-%20white.png?width=100&height=41&name=Mission%20Drive%20Logo%20-%20white.png) Helping business leaders, innovation teams, L&D & HR engage effectively with their audiences about data. 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© 2003 - 2026 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "United Kingdom", "addressLocality" : "Brighton", "addressRegion" : "Sussex", "postalCode" : "", "streetAddress" : "Mission Drive HQ" }, "knowsLanguage" : "en", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3064814/LOGOTYPE_positive-100-2.jpg" }, "name" : "Mission Drive", "url" : "https://www.missiondrive.io/blogs/what-does-literacy-mean-to-you" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "abstract" : "Data literacy isn’t about turning everyone into data analysts - it’s about each of us finding our place in a new world of work.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Simon Bullmore" }, "dateModified" : "July 6, 2023 4 PM", "datePublished" : "June 16, 2019 11 PM", "headline" : "What does data literacy mean to you?", "image" : "https://3064814.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3064814/What%20does%20data%20literacy%20mean%20to%20you.png", "inLanguage" : "en", "keywords" : "[Data literacy, The Mission Log, Data training & consultancy]", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "What does data literacy mean to you?", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3064814/LOGOTYPE_positive-100-2.jpg" }, "name" : "Mission Drive" }, "text" : "Data literacy isn’t about turning everyone into data analysts. It’s about each of us finding our place in a new world of work. It’s about tailoring our literacy to our needs. Data is changing our world. And it’s not just about flashy AI technologies and apps in the tech sector. Data-powered technologies like automation are expected to change a wide range of jobs – from lawyers to waiters. We each need to know how we might need to adapt. This starts with being data literate. Understanding data in relation to our organisation and our sector, knowing how to interact with data, and analysing what impact data can have. But finding the right path forward isn’t easy. The world of data is both complex and fast-moving. There’s little consensus about what’s most important. Which is why most data literacy initiatives, particularly those that emerge from the tech sector, are focused on a narrow definition of literacy – using analytics tools to make better decisions. That’s an admirable focus. But it’s not one that’s relevant to everyone. Like others, at Mission Drive we’ve found that data literacy is context and role-specific which is why, whilst working at the Open Data Insitute AI Author Ellen Broad and I came up with this, high-level definition of data literacy. “Data literacy is the ability to understand data, how you can interact with it and what impact it can have.” The Open Data Institute Little Mission – discover what data literacy means to you To get started with data literacy you need to unpick each element in the above definition. Here are the steps we suggest taking: Assess your current ability to understand data and interact with it. How do you work with data? What data do you use? What tools do you use? What could you do better? Where could better data make a difference? What new concepts and ideas do you need to explore? Explore the impact that data is having on you and your organisation. How is data used in your business? In your community and sector, how is data and tech changing things? What are your competitors and start-ups doing? Write down your answers, discuss them with your team, your peers, your managers. Data literacy is made to measure How we define our own level of literacy will depend on our context and needs. And it’s in this subjective, unique view, that data literacy differs from data skills. Data literacy is about what we each need. It’s not a one-size fit’s all uniform that we each need to squeeze into. It’s a status tailored to our individual values, goals and purpose. Data skills can be clearly defined, measured and developed. 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