(US and Canada) Clemson University CDO Benjamin Wiles speaks with Denise Collison, SVP, President, Public Sector Sales at SHI International Corp., in a video interview about data literacy barriers, the role of leaders in change management, and what happens in the absence of change management.

Wiles says the biggest barrier to data literacy is the need for more experience applying data in meaningful ways. Organizations must develop an intuition for what matters, he notes. Wiles stresses they need to start small while asking and answering questions based on the data they have to build confidence in their ability to understand how quality affects the questions.

Regarding a leader’s role in change management, Wiles highlights the ability to create meaning from uncertainty. So, if someone is creating meaning, it is necessary to embrace it, he notes, adding that change is hard and there must be robust sources of motivation — something more than money. Wiles also urges organizations to create the least restrictive environment that allows individuals to solve problems as they arise and adjust course.

When asked what happens if organizations don’t consider change management, Wiles says they may push through somehow but will have difficulties in the future.

CDO Magazine thanks Benjamin Wiles for sharing his expertise with the broader community.

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