Data Governance is Like Rock and Roll

I was fortunate to catch the first of the two Bruce Springsteen shows in Pittsburgh earlier this month. People who know me well know that I have been a huge fan since meeting the Boss after a show way back in 1978. I haven’t even been in the data business that long – but it got me to thinking – I love rock and roll, and I obviously dig data as well – but I have rarely drawn a connection between the two.

Data governance and rock and roll might seem like an odd pairing at first glance, but dig a little deeper, and you'll find that they share more in common than you might think. Just as rock and roll has shaped my, my, my generation and stood the test of time, data governance has become the backbone of successful, data-driven organizations. Both are about finding the right rhythm, balancing freedom with structure, and ensuring that everything stays in harmony. If you’ve ever listened to Bruce Springsteen, you know that the Boss is a master of storytelling, weaving tales of ordinary lives with extraordinary themes. Similarly, data governance is all about telling the right stories with data, making sure that every piece of information has its place and purpose.

Take Springsteen’s line, “You can’t start a fire without a spark,” from "Dancing in the Dark" – a concert favorite. It’s a perfect metaphor for data governance. Just as a great rock song starts with a spark of inspiration, effective data governance begins with the recognition that data is a valuable asset, one that needs to be managed and protected. Without that initial spark of understanding, data can easily become chaotic, much like a band without a drummer – lacking rhythm and direction. Data governance provides that steady beat, keeping everything in sync, just like the Mighty Max Weinberg does for the E Street Band.

Springsteen also sang, “It’s a town full of losers, and I’m pulling out of here to win,” from "Thunder Road." This speaks to the idea of not settling for the status quo, which is at the heart of both rock and roll and data governance. Rock and roll has always been about challenging norms, pushing boundaries, and striving for something better. Similarly, data governance isn’t about sticking to old, outdated practices; it’s about innovating and continuously improving how data is managed and used. Organizations that embrace this mindset don’t just survive - they thrive. They’re the ones who, like Springsteen, pull out of mediocrity and aim for greatness.

Another Springsteen gem that evening, “Talk about a dream, try to make it real,” from "Badlands," reflects the aspiration behind both rock and roll and data governance. Rock and roll has always been about dreaming big and making those dreams a reality, whether it’s creating a groundbreaking album or putting on an unforgettable show. In the world of data governance, the dream is about harnessing the full potential of data - turning raw information into actionable insights that drive business success. But, just like in rock and roll, it takes more than just dreaming. It requires effort, dedication, and a clear strategy to make that dream real. Data governance provides the framework to do just that, ensuring that data is not just collected but is accurate, accessible, and meaningful.

In the end, data governance, like rock and roll, is about creating harmony out of chaos. It’s about setting the stage for success, where every note (or data point) has its place, contributing to a bigger picture. Whether you’re crafting a classic rock anthem or building a robust data governance program, the goal is the same: to make something that lasts, that resonates, and that drives you forward. As Springsteen repeated toward the end of the concert, “Tramps like us, baby we were born to run” – and with the right approach to data governance, your organization can run towards a future where data drives every decision, every success, and every victory.

Copyright ? 2024 – Robert S. Seiner and KIK Consulting & Educational Services

?