Boosting Your Digital Intelligence

Digital intelligence, also known as digital consciousness, digital IQ, or DX, is the ability to think critically and use data intelligently when solving problems. Put simply, it’s knowing what you know and don’t know in a digital world. Everyone has a different level of digital intelligence based on their education and experiences with technology. This can be a challenge if you work in an industry that relies heavily on technology or even cloud-based software. However, improving your digital intelligence can help you advance your career and thrive in the modern workplace.

Know your digital tools

Many of us neglect to practice with the tools we use daily. Take time to get comfortable with the tools you use in your job – or with digital tools you want to use to achieve your career goals. You can save time and make your work more effective by getting comfortable with your tools. When you know the features and functions of your digital tools, you can solve problems faster, communicate more effectively, and increase your productivity. You can also make fewer mistakes and save time by avoiding the need to learn new tools. If a tool you use regularly has a feature you don’t know about, you might be able to save time and increase your productivity simply by learning about it.

Take time to understand the why behind the data

We tend to focus on the ‘how’ of something while missing the ‘why.’ We don’t always take the time to understand why a particular strategy or tactic is effective or necessary. This can lead to the misguided use of data and analysis in our decision-making. You can make better-informed decisions by taking the time to understand the data and the analytical methods behind specific strategies and tactics. For example, you may have heard that you should include a call to action in every email you send. You may have also heard that you should avoid including a call to action in an email because it annoys people. At first glance, you might not understand why one source says it’s effective and another says it’s not, but if you take time to understand the whys behind the different strategies and the data driving them, you can make better-informed decisions for yourself and your organization.

Become a student of culture and behavior

Digital intelligence has less to do with technical skills and more with understanding the context in which data and tools operate. You can improve your digital intelligence by studying culture and behavior. Reading relevant books, articles, blogs, and news stories can help expand your understanding of the rapidly changing digital landscape. You can also do this by engaging in discussions with people knowledgeable in the field. By becoming a student of culture and behavior, you can improve your digital intelligence and better understand how data and tools operate in different contexts. You can also enhance your problem-solving ability and communicate better using data and digital tools.

Build on basic digital skills

Digital skills can help improve your digital intelligence if you don’t feel confident in your ability to use data to solve problems. There are a few ways to catch up if you are missing some digital skills. You can learn new skills by taking online courses, reading books, and doing online tutorials. You can also sign up for a digital skills event or conference, where you can meet people and learn from experts. You can use data to solve problems more effectively by adding more knowledge and tools to your digital skills toolbox. You can also enhance your ability to communicate better using data and digital tools and improve your ability to work effectively with others.

Networking and listening

Networking and listening are two essential skills that can help you improve your digital intelligence. By networking, you increase your ability to solve problems using data. You also increase your ability to communicate using data and improve your ability to work effectively with others. Networking is about creating professional relationships and connections that can help you better understand our digital world and how to navigate it. You can network in person, online, and through virtual events. You can network with peers, managers, employees, customers, and vendors; focus on the people who can help you best improve and expand on your digital intelligence.

AI is not only for AI firms

As artificial intelligence becomes more accessible, many people use AI to provide input to solve problems and make decisions. However, AI is not only for AI firms. Experts say that 80% of organizations are AI-ready, but only 15% are currently using it to solve problems. If your organization is AI-ready but not using it, you’re missing out on the advantages of this technology. By solving problems with AI, you can increase your digital intelligence and improve your ability to use data to solve problems. You can also improve your ability to communicate using data and work more effectively with others.

Summing up

Digital intelligence has less to do with technical skills and more with understanding the context in which data and tools operate. By becoming a student of culture and behavior, networking, and listening, you can improve your digital intelligence and better understand how data and tools work in different contexts. Using data and digital tools, you can also enhance your problem-solving ability and improve your communication skills.

Go out and Lead!