How do you actually improve data literacy across a team?

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Vidhi Shah

Updated on August 18, 2025 in

I have worked with teams that have access to amazing analytics tools yet barely use them. Not because the tools are bad, but because people just don’t feel confident exploring data, interpreting dashboards, or running their own analysis.

Often, they stick to what’s comfortable like exporting everything to Excel , even when there’s a faster, better way sitting right in front of them.

And I get it if you’re not sure how to use something, it’s easier to avoid it.

If you’ve been in this situation, how did you actually help people become more comfortable and confident with data?

Was it formal training programs, embedding data experts into teams, creating quick reference guides, or just making it safe to ask “beginner” questions without judgment?

Curious to know what’s really worked for you and what didn’t.

I have worked with teams that have access to amazing analytics tools yet barely use them. Not because the tools are bad, but because people just don’t feel confident exploring data, interpreting dashboards, or running their own analysis.
Often, they stick to what’s comfortable like exporting everything to Excel , even when there’s a faster, better way sitting right in front of them.
And I get it if you’re not sure how to use something, it’s easier to avoid it.
If you’ve been in this situation, how did you actually help people become more comfortable and confident with data?
Was it formal training programs, embedding data experts into teams, creating quick reference guides, or just making it safe to ask “beginner” questions without judgment?
Curious to know what’s really worked for you and what didn’t.

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Zain on August 18, 2025

Hey !

Working with teams that have great tools but little confidence using them is common.

The most effective approach is usually hands-on, low-pressure support rather than formal training programs.

Embedding into the workflow helps showing team members how to pull insights for their daily tasks step by step.

Quick wins, like reusable templates or cheat sheets for dashboards and simple queries, make data feel more approachable.

Creating a safe space for questions, even “beginner” ones, encourages experimentation without fear of mistakes. As people see data helping them make faster, smarter decisions, confidence naturally grows.

Over time, learning by doing in a supportive environment proves far more effective at improving data literacy than any lecture-style training alone.

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Hey ! 
Working with teams that have great tools but little confidence using them is common. 
The most effective approach is usually hands-on, low-pressure support rather than formal training programs. 
Embedding into the workflow helps showing team members how to pull insights for their daily tasks step by step. 
Quick wins, like reusable templates or cheat sheets for dashboards and simple queries, make data feel more approachable. 
Creating a safe space for questions, even “beginner” ones, encourages experimentation without fear of mistakes. As people see data helping them make faster, smarter decisions, confidence naturally grows. 
Over time, learning by doing in a supportive environment proves far more effective at improving data literacy than any lecture-style training alone.

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