Foster a Culture of Data Literacy
For an entire organization to make decisions based on insights, IT leaders need to treat data as a strategic asset, integral to business strategy and operational decisions. “You need to implement a modern data ecosystem before you add AI into the mix,” said Zajdel.
In the rush to deploy AI, many organizations skip this critical step. But investing in a flexible data infrastructure can support the storage, processing and analysis of AI applications.
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Next, cultivate a standard of excellence for data. “Build a culture through training and literacy programs,” Zajdel said. This establishes a clear, united vision and also incentivizes employees to be more successful.
Asking teams to unlearn old habits and accept change is difficult. This where change management comes in. “As leaders we have the responsibility of setting the condition to cultivate and not punish people when mistakes are made,” said Susan Hardy, organizational change management leader at CDW.