How can you become a top data governance leader?

Define which teams have access to data at rest, data for processing, data at movement, where the data gets deleted/archived (archival also will be part of the data at rest) will determine. If you are able to identify the cycle of data creation to destruction it would be a good way to sieve through the data teams and their mode of interaction to the data tools and 3rd parties involved.

One time I worked with a data governance team that was struggling to get buy-in from the business. We were making great progress on the technical aspects of data governance, but we were not communicating our value proposition effectively. I realized that we needed to do a better job of understanding the business problems and challenges that our stakeholders were facing. Once we did that, we were able to show them how data governance could help them solve those problems. This resulted in a much more engaged and supportive stakeholder group.

As a leader, you must define and share governancy goals and continuosly improve your achievements. Remmeber you are not alone during the journey and you need to have others supporting your iniciatives in the organization.

For me, governance can be automated and it can only be mplemented if there is support from upper level management. Data domains are an active part of any data model and help standardize data formats and integrity rules. This means these rules can (and should) be converted to code and applied against the existing system data structures. As far as I know, this is the simplest and most effective form of governance. Repeat this process over time and have automated governance without human intervention. The only human action here is related to the direct actions to take once an inconsistency is detected. All this can be designed in advance and save precious bucks.

In my experience, the most important thing for a data governance leader is to build a strong team and create a culture of collaboration. Data governance is not a solo effort, and it is essential to have the buy-in and support of stakeholders across the organization.

When I was working on a data governance project, I learned that it is important to set clear goals that are aligned with the organization's overall business objectives. This helps to ensure that data governance efforts are focused on the things that matter most to the organization and that they are ultimately successful.

For me, the most important thing is to focus on the business value of data governance. What are the specific ways that data governance can help my organization improve its bottom line, make better decisions, or comply with regulations? Once I have a clear understanding of the business value, I can start to communicate it to stakeholders in a way that is relevant and compelling.

I would also add that data governance is a collaborative effort. It requires the participation of people from all levels of the organization, from the C-suite to the front lines. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that data is managed effectively and that the organization can benefit from its insights.

Indeed, in my experience, data governance is a continual process of advancement, not a one-time endeavor. Regular evaluation, stakeholder feedback, and addressing gaps are key. Adapting to evolving needs and staying updated on trends and best practices maintain relevance. It's a dynamic process essential for maximizing data value.

Data Governance should be at the core of any Business Information Strategy and not just IT. The goal of Data Governance is not just to govern but ensure data consistency, integrity and relevance to the business. Ensuring relevancy becomes the biggest hurdle as it can lead to waste and obsolence of the company's information delivery strategy. For people who subscribe to the idea that the most important asset in the organization is information will understand what this means.

Understand the pitfalls and bottlenecks in Data Governance. Ensure you have a good team you can rely on and at the same time have enough strength, empathy and courage to back them 100% thru thick and thin. Educate, train and mentor your team from time to time to keep them up-to-date on all aspects. Give them credit when due. This is the life of a great Data Governance Leader.