What are the best practices for data governance training?

The first step in this assessment for data governance should be to develop an enterprise approach to the data governance function. Without the enterprise approach, those developing the training will be unable to analyze the various roles and expected capabilities needed for performing data governance - and data stewardship - effectively. Additionally, all roles should receive a foundational training in the related aspects of data management - data quality, metadata, data security, etc.

Good data governance training, like any other program training, should be continuing. The training should be robust and flexible, able to adapt but retaining the best practices for data governance and data stewardship for each role and for the organization's enterprise approach. Learning should be available in-person and virtually, and on demand to accommodate different learning styles and different schedules.

There are many functions within a data governance framework. It can be overwhelming performing training sessions that cover multiple functions at once (unless they seemlessly overlap). Separate the training sessions according to the function so the users walk away with an understanding of each function. Training across multiple functions should take place over multiple sessions with a cadence to keep them up to date. - Also, record them for those who may have missed it or for those who want to review it again. Store content in an easily accessible repository. Some data cataloging tools also support these types of repositories.

The training must - must - reflect the organization's approach to data governance and data stewardship but that approach should be grounded in the industry's best practices. Training should always include workshops, exercises, and case studies to reinforce the learning experiences and should be tailored for roles and levels of experience.

All training should engage and be relevant. Using a variety of techniques and different forms of content can help any training to be effective. The data governance and data stewardship training - and all communications about the data governance and data stewardship program - should include value examples and real-life work cases to support the program - and the learning.

Some tools, like a Data Governance and Data Stewardship handbook or guides, and business glossary and other documentation do not need an expensive application. Many organizations do not implement an enterprise data governance tool at the start, so they can adopt the best practices before learning how to manipulate a tool - and so they can choose the optimal tool for their needs.

Implementing new tools can be a tricky task for many data governance initiatives. Essentially, it's important to tailor the training to address a specific issue that the users have identified. This training should serve as a stage to show users how this new tool can simplify their work and fix the issue they're facing. It's beneficial to provide step by step tutorial videos demonstrating how to use features of the tools. This helps the users get comfortable with the tool and ensure they know how to use it effectively. It's also a good idea to combine this with an email campaign directing users to a library of instructional videos. This will remind them about the available resources and empowers them with continuous learning.

Engagement in training sessions can be touch and go. Sharing the feedback and improvements with you user audience to show that others are participating will encourage engagement by others because they see their peers participating. Also, wherever possible incorporate the feedback mechanisms in or immediately following interactive trainings sessions. If there is a repository where training material is stored, keep track of user activity to understand what content is being accessed the most.

Start with the basics - Give everyone a basic understanding of what DG is and why it's important Use real-world examples - Help everyone understand importance of DG by sharing real-world examples of how it has helped orgs Make it interactive - Use quizzes, case studies, and role-playing exercises Tailor the training to your audience - Not everyone in your org will need the same level of training on DG Measure the effectiveness - Identify what worked well and what could be improved