You're a data architect who needs to work with stakeholders. How can you build your collaboration skills?

1 Understand your stakeholders

Before you start any data project, you need to identify and understand who your stakeholders are, what their roles and responsibilities are, and what their pain points and priorities are. You can use tools such as stakeholder maps, personas, or interviews to gather this information and create a clear picture of your stakeholder landscape. By understanding your stakeholders, you can tailor your communication style, level of detail, and frequency to suit their needs and preferences.

2 Establish a common language

Data architecture can involve complex and technical concepts, such as data models, schemas, metadata, ETL processes, and data quality. To avoid confusion and misunderstanding, you need to establish a common language with your stakeholders that is consistent, clear, and concise. You can use tools such as data dictionaries, glossaries, or diagrams to define and document the key terms and concepts that are relevant to your data project. By establishing a common language, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and can communicate effectively.

4 Share your vision and value

Another way to build your collaboration skills is to share your vision and value with your stakeholders. You can use tools such as presentations, dashboards, or stories to communicate the purpose, goals, and benefits of your data project. You can also highlight how your data architecture supports the strategic objectives and outcomes of your organization. By sharing your vision and value, you can inspire and motivate your stakeholders, demonstrate your expertise and credibility, and showcase your data solution.

5 Learn from your stakeholders

Finally, you can build your collaboration skills by learning from your stakeholders. You can use tools such as feedback forms, reviews, or metrics to collect and analyze the results and impacts of your data project. You can also ask for suggestions, recommendations, or testimonials from your stakeholders on how to improve your data architecture or collaboration process. By learning from your stakeholders, you can enhance your skills and knowledge, celebrate your successes, and identify your areas for improvement.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?