The Courage of Data Governance

I have been thinking about the importance of courage when navigating a Data Governance journey. Being part of Microsoft's own Data Governance journey, there is a lot to reflect on the lessons learned. Those of us on this journey know all too well that Data Governance is predominately a change management conundrum. Evolving a culture takes a lot of time. It also takes a lot of courage. Courage is a necessary characteristic that must be ingrained in the culture to successfully traverse the change management challenges of Data Governance. It is an attribute many want but difficult to action. There are many attributes that comprise of courage. Take the time to reflect on these attributes and their presence in your own organizations.

?? Embracing Fear

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."?—Nelson Mandela

One of the biggest elements of fear is the fear of the unknown. The unknown of what to expect can be intimidating. Fear can be found in not knowing where to even begin. Fear can be rooted in constant stakeholder resistance to invest in Data Governance. Change management is always difficult to traverse and is a long and arduous process. Strength comes from feeling fear in these situations and yet making a choice to take an action. Every individual on your team must have courage to take action. If you have a strong vision, even if you don't know how you will get there or what difficulties might come your way, it can be the courage to traverse the seas and follow your north star.

?? Follow your Passion

“Passion is what drives us crazy, what makes us do extraordinary things, to discover, to challenge ourselves. Passion is and should always be the heart of courage.”?—Midori Komatsu

Following your heart and letting passion guide you will help in whatever endeavor you find yourself in. When considering the obstacles that are faced with Data Governance, passion is essential to withstand these challenges. Every individual, including the leadership, must have a passion for the space of Data Governance. Reflect on whether your heart is in it. Data Governance may not always be the flashy project but is essential to responsible innovation and transformation.

?? Persevere with Purpose

“'Go back?' he thought 'No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!' So up he got and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.”?—J.R.R. Tolkien,?The Hobbit

Every individual navigating Data Governance can understand the challenges we face every day. I often like to use a sports metaphor, particularly football. Every athlete in the NFL wants to go and win the Super Bowl. One season comprises of many games, some wins and some losses. It is the culmination of the entirety of the season that determines whether a team is eligible to go to the Super Bowl. The team will have the goal of making it, but they must take it one game at a time. Success comes with every step, every action in every moment along the way. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. But you cannot confuse a single defeat with a final defeat. You will find success when you acknowledge the sum of the journey and take the learnings along the way.

?? Action your Beliefs

"Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes."?—Maggie Kuhn

Resistance is synonymous with a Data Governance journey. As with many emerging areas, it takes time to educate and get stakeholder buy in. You will often face rejection as you build your case for Data Governance to your board of directors. It is what you do when you face this opposition is important. Through courage and passion, you can be convicted in your beliefs. As a leader, you must demonstrate this willingness to remain firm, speak up for what is right for the organization as a whole.

?? Get Uncomfortable

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."?—Lord Chesterfield

As noted, Data Governance is not for the faint of heart. It often requires individuals to step outside their comfort zone and can put you in uncomfortable situations. The transformation and growth that will transpire when your team pushes past their own perceived limitations. Take these as learning opportunities and areas for growth. Ensure your team is prepared to handle these situations and get comfortable being uncomfortable.