Business Goals Drive Data Management - Data Executives

How do I get a "Seat at the Business Table?"

Have you ever asked yourself this question? Multiple customers and business stakeholders have challenged and asked me this question.

Why the challenge?

As Data Executives, we play a pivotal role in leading and transforming the Business. However, we often find ourselves as late arrivals, with not everyone convinced of the Data Office's potential.

How do we start winning friends and influencing the Business?

In my experience, it starts with me aligning all my data initiatives with the business goals, objectives, and strategy. A good starting point is the data strategy that describes how you will tackle the Business's Data SWOTs in delivering their business strategy. I refer to this as dealing with Business Data Friction. The first few iterations of the data strategy are about addressing the critical data problems that cause the Business to lose faith in the Data Office. My challenge is to reduce the pain and earn the respect I need to bring data into the boardroom.

Where do I start the alignment process?

I like to start by investigating the following business architecture artefacts:

1. Business Motivation Models (why)
2. Business Strategy Mapping
3. Strategic Analysis Tools
4. Business Value Proposition and Streams

These artefacts help me understand the Business and measure its performance (this certainly requires high-quality data). I can now integrate the data strategy, schedule the data initiative roadmap, and spend time communicating to ensure everyone is aware of and sees the benefits.

It is important for us to work on our Business and Financial Literacy and demonstrate that we can communicate and contribute at a business level. This will do your Data Literacy program the world of good.

Once you have understood the Business Architecture and the alignment requirements, it is now time to start the Data Alignment:

1. Data Value Realisation (Use-Case Portfolio & Prioritisation)
2. Data Management Maturity Assessment of Use-Case Portfolio (Technical Feasibility)
3. Data Strategy (Use-Case Selection)
4. Data Initiatives (Use-Case Delivery)
5. Data Operating Model
6. Data Culture and Change Management

Some life maxims that I have found helpful in my Data Career:

1. Seek first to understand before wanting to be understood (empathetic listening)
2. Be quick to listen and SLOW to speak. If you must interrupt, ask clarifying questions to confirm your understanding