5 Actionable Data Governance Attributes
Data governance is the practice of ensuring that data is managed effectively and securely. It is essential for organizations of all sizes to have a strong data governance program in place. One of the most important aspects of data governance is people leadership. A data governance leader must have the following five attributes:
Communication:
A data governance leader must be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the organization. This includes business leaders, technical staff, and data users. The leader must be able to explain the importance of data governance and how it can benefit the organization. They must also be able to build consensus and get buy-in from all stakeholders.
Action items:
- Hold regular meetings with business leaders to discuss data governance initiatives.
- Create a communication plan that outlines how you will reach out to different stakeholders.
- Use clear and concise language when communicating about data governance.
- Be prepared to answer questions and address concerns.
Understanding:
A data governance leader must have a deep understanding of the organization’s data landscape. This includes understanding the different types of data that are used, the business processes that rely on data, and the risks associated with data. The leader must also be able to relate data governance to the organization’s overall business strategy.
Action items:
- Review the organization’s data policies and procedures.
- Meet with data owners and stewards to understand their needs.
- Analyze the organization’s data risks.
- Develop a data governance plan that aligns with the organization’s business strategy.
Unity:
A data governance leader must be able to unite different departments and stakeholders around a common goal of data governance. This requires the ability to build trust and rapport and to facilitate collaboration. The leader must also be able to resolve conflicts and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
Action items:
- Create a data governance council that includes representatives from all departments.
- Set clear goals and objectives for the data governance program.
- Develop a communication plan that keeps everyone informed about the program’s progress.
- Resolve conflicts in a timely and fair manner.
Education:
A data governance leader must educate the company on the importance of data, data governance, and how it relates to each individual stakeholder. This includes explaining the benefits of data governance, the risks of not having a data governance program, and the role that each stakeholder plays in the program.
Action items:
- Create a data governance awareness program.
- Provide training on data governance for all employees.
- Develop communication materials that explain the importance of data governance.
- Encourage employees to share their data governance knowledge with others.
Enablement:
A data governance leader must enable culture change within the organization. This means shifting the culture from one that is data-agnostic to one that values data and data governance. This requires the leader to be a role model and to encourage others to adopt data-driven decision-making.
Action items:
- Set an example by using data-driven decision-making in your own work.
- Reward employees who use data to improve their work.
- Celebrate successes that have resulted from data governance.
- Make data governance a priority in the organization’s culture.
Understanding you audience, maturing your education with your stakeholders, and aligning to what is important to both the business and the end users are key success factors for a sustainable Data Governance Program.