You're leading a data architecture project. How can you connect with key stakeholders for success?

Meet with key decision-makers across departments to understand their pain points and desired outcomes. Ask open-ended questions and truly listen to their frustrations and goals related to data. For stakeholders concerned with data quality, highlight how the architecture promotes clean, consistent data. If data protection is a priority, emphasize built-in security measures within the architecture Clearly explain how the data architecture addresses their specific needs with real-world use cases. Example: "For the marketing team, this architecture ensures high-quality customer data for targeted campaigns, leading to increased ROI."

Divide stakeholders into different focus groups and identify each group needs for clear separation and demarking. This allows you to really prioritize and have a staged delivery plan as per individual group expectations. Also makes you think about whether you need a centralized or decentralised data architecture leveraging a unified lake catering to diverse needs.

Leading a data architecture project to success involves effectively connecting with key stakeholders by thoroughly identifying and understanding their needs. Begin by conducting detailed stakeholder analysis to map out who the key players are and what their specific interests and requirements entail. Schedule regular meetings and actively listen to their concerns and expectations to ensure their input is incorporated into the project. Utilize tools like surveys, interviews, and workshops to gather comprehensive insights. By creating a clear communication plan that includes regular updates and feedback loops, you can build trust and ensure that stakeholders feel heard and valued.

- Schedule regular stakeholder meetings. - Communicate project goals clearly. - Address concerns promptly and transparently. - Share progress updates frequently. - Align project outcomes with business needs. - Solicit feedback and incorporate it. - Ensure stakeholder involvement in decisions. - Build trust through transparency. - Highlight benefits and ROI. - Foster collaborative environment.

If you're working in a governed environment, relationship-building should be streamlined. A Data Governance Lead is already working with a cross-functional team, so you'll be able to integrate with that group if you're not there already. You'll need to work with the right business people, and you could be surprised to find certain people you didn't expect using the data. You need to keep the project on track when people are already busy. The Data Governance Lead should know who to talk to, what they're already working on, what the deadlines are, and what the roadblocks will be.

Modernization goals and KPIs Modernization goals are those where you intent to move the existing platform to leverage cloud native principles and devise a modern data architecture. KPIs can be more related to business and set by the stakeholders themselves. Have a clear distinction between the platform goals and product KPIs and talk through them in your alignment meetings to re phasize the same with key customer groups.