Here's how you can earn respect and trust in Data Governance with assertiveness and confidence.

Data Governance is not the choice it is a necessity today. However, one needs to understand that Data Governance cannot be the goal but an ongoing journey. This path requires regular innovation, sense check of the quality of tools from where the data is flowing, source revalidation and most importantly have strong Data Quality Metrics (DQM). These efforts will help in building data credibility and confidence on the inference drawn from the same. But just having strong DQM can't guarantee everything. Data is live, consistently changing. Thus raw data can at times lead to incorrect inferences. However, smart Data Storytelling using BI tools like PowerBi, Tableau etc. can help to make the point more assertive and focused for the audience.

Unpopular opinion, Data Governance remains a nebulous concept for most organizations. Its importance is often underrated and only recognized when data quality sh*t hits the pan. In my four years of experience establishing and implementing Data Governance, two things worked: 1. Don't boil the ocean. Identify biz use cases where the pain is felt the most, & more often than not, these are seemingly simple problems that are wreaking havoc in the operations - different address layouts across systems, rolling up holding companies, etc. 2. Measure & quantify impact. Come up with tangible & measurable outcomes. Nothing is more convincing than being able to tell your stakeholders about the real-world impact of a lack of robust governance.

Firstly, we should be aware about the need for Data governance. Is it for internal best practices or external factors like compliances? Regional laws and sector specific guidelines plays a big role here. Major Data protection regulations and standards are EuGDPR, HIPPA, ISO 27701 where as security Standards and frameworks are ISO 27001, PCI-DSS and NIST. Along with regulations, Data quality dimensions like Accuracy, Completeness, Consistency, Uniqueness, Timeliness, and Validity are key in governance. At the sametime metadata repository, data profiling, data modeling and design, data integration and interoperability, storage and back up, availability, access control and documentation are few areas that we pay more attention to.

Through hands-on leadership, I implement robust data governance frameworks, ensuring data integrity, compliance, and strategic alignment with organizational goals. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, ML, and OpenAI, I drive initiatives that maximize value from data assets, earning trust and confidence from stakeholders.

Ensure you have a solid grasp of data governance principles, including data quality, data privacy, data security, and compliance requirements. This foundational knowledge will instill confidence in your abilities. Be confident in your decision-making abilities when it comes to data governance policies, procedures, and standards. Base your decisions on data-driven insights and industry best practices.

Communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Articulate the importance of data governance in achieving business objectives and mitigating risks. Assert your authority in matters related to data governance by demonstrating expertise and professionalism. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and other stakeholders.

I prioritize clear and effective communication to convey complex data governance concepts in a way that is easily understood by diverse audiences. By articulating ideas with clarity and precision, I foster trust and respect among colleagues, ensuring that information is conveyed accurately and transparently.

Lead by example and demonstrate your commitment to data governance through your actions and behaviors. Adhere to data governance policies yourself and hold others accountable for doing the same. Foster a culture of transparency and accountability in data governance practices. Clearly communicate roles, responsibilities, and expectations to all stakeholders.

I lead by example by adhering to data governance best practices, following ethical guidelines, and demonstrating integrity in decision-making processes. By setting a positive example for others to follow, I inspire trust and respect, showcasing my commitment to upholding high standards in data governance.

Data Governance is a team sport ... Promote Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration between different departments to ensure alignment on data governance practices and goals. Encourage Knowledge Sharing: Foster a culture of knowledge sharing where teams can learn from each other's experiences and expertise in data governance.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement data governance initiatives. Encourage input and feedback from stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and buy-in. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including IT, legal, compliance, and business units. Foster trust and collaboration through open communication and mutual respect.

I actively foster collaboration and teamwork within the data governance team and across departments. By encouraging open communication, sharing knowledge, and promoting a collaborative mindset, I build trust and respect among colleagues, fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual support.

Conflict in data management is unavoidable. However, our approach towards conflict resolution is vital. We ask questions to understand the expectation and challenges of the other party. We try to be as collaborative as possible. As long as access is a question, we can propose set clear roles for DATA CONTROLLER and PROCESSOR, define access control, have an NDA signed and monitor adherence. If it is on quality, defining the Data quality Checks, Putting controls at each integration point to meet the quality parameters and assigning owners and making them accountable will help. For ethical data usage, unauthorized users should be removed from accessing data. A person with integrity would seek a win-win outcome in such conflicting situation

I address conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner, seeking resolution through open dialogue, active listening, and a focus on finding common ground. By effectively managing conflicts and promoting a culture of respect and understanding, I build trust among team members and stakeholders, demonstrating my ability to navigate challenging situations with professionalism and diplomacy.

The world is moving and change is the only constant. Be humble and embrace life long learning to sharpen skill. Stay Informed: Regularly read industry publications, attend conferences, and participate in webinars to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in data governance. Engage in Professional Development: Take courses, workshops, or certifications to deepen your understanding of data governance principles and practices.

Stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in data governance. Continuously seek opportunities to improve processes and enhance data governance practices.

I prioritize continuous learning and professional development in the field of data governance, staying abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices. By investing in my own growth and development, I demonstrate a commitment to excellence and innovation, earning respect and trust as a proactive and forward-thinking professional in the data governance domain.

In Data Governance, it's essential to recognize the human element behind the data. Consider a healthcare organization implementing new data privacy protocols. A governance professional, understanding the importance of data privacy laws, might advocate for stricter access controls. By doing this, they not only ensure compliance with legal standards but also demonstrate empathy towards patients concerned about their personal information's security. Communicating these changes to healthcare staff and patients, and emphasizing how these measures protect against data breaches, helps bridge the gap between technical requirements and their impact on individuals, building trust and deepening cooperation among all stakeholders.

Data Governance is a huge topic ... Understand the business need and prioritise to kick start with a small wins first ... That can help ...

Successful implementation requires aligning data governance with business goals to ensure that data efforts support organisational goals. Prioritising business needs makes data governance more effective and actionable. This method increases stakeholder buy-in, cooperation, and business outcomes, resulting in strategic objective adoption and achievement.