0.1: WTF is Data Literacy?

Nobody knows what ‘data literacy’ means. Hell, I wrote an article about the need to assess commander’s for data literacy and even I have struggled to explain what it means.

There are multiple definitions out there but for Downrange Data I define it as being able to:

• Digitize information into data structures. Turn analog material into structured information that computers can use.

• Build processes that leverage data. Create better user experiences (Ux) that enable you to get, analyze, and share data faster.

• Critically assess data to make decisions - Put data into context so you can determine what matters, what doesn’t, and what you don’t know.

This Substack is an attempt to take another tack.

What follows are a series of vignettes from my time in the Army. Data is the common thread that runs throughout. Both in combat and out, I have found ways to capture, organize, visualize, and understand data. Some have been complex, but typically they have been incredibly simple.

Harnessing data always gave me an outsized return on investment. Data literacy gave me an edge over my peers, however, that advantage could have been theirs if any of them had set a similar course.

I argue good leaders are driven by data. They know how to get it and how to use it. They cheat ahead with it and gain more time because of it. They make better decisions with it.

If you don’t adopt any of the techniques I detail in what follows, then just try this one: Use PowerPoint less. Kill it if you can.

That singular fix will have decisive impacts, I promise. If you want to see why, or you want to know what more you can do, well you’re going to have to keep reading.¹,²

If you found this post interesting, please don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and fellow servicemembers, and feel free to link to it on your social mediums.

1. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect those of the US Army nor the Department of Defense.

2. In accordance with policy, I will leave off last names. Occasionally first names will also be changed to prevent association of serving members with SOF units, or to protect the individual referenced. Whenever this is done it will be noted.