THE DATA ADMINISTRATION NEWSLETTER – TDAN.com
ROBERT S. SEINER – PUBLISHER

How the heck can data governance be non-invasive? I am getting this question a lot these days. In fact more than 90% of the people that attend my sessions at the TDWI, MDM, DAMA and DG conferences tell me that the term “Non-Invasive Data Governance”™ is what attracts them to the session. They walk out at the end of the sessions as believers.

Let me answer this question quickly and to the point ...

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Many organizations view Data Governance as being over-and-above normal work efforts and threatening to the existing work culture of the organization. It does not have to be that way.

Many organizations have a difficult time getting people to adopt data governance best practices because of a common belief that data governance is about command-and-control. It does not have to be that way.

While I firmly state that data governance is “the execution and enforcement of authority over the management of data”, nowhere in that definition does it say that Data Governance has to be invasive or threatening to the work, people and culture of the organization. It does not have to be that way.

“Non-Invasive Data Governance”™, the approach taught and implemented by Robert S. Seiner of KIK Consulting & TDAN.com, focuses on formalizing existing accountability for the management of data and improving formal communications, value and quality efforts through effective cross-organization stewarding of data resources.

“Non-Invasive Data Governance”™ can be summed up in a few quick statements:

With Non-Invasive Data Governance - Data steward responsibilities are identified and recognized, formalized and engaged according to their existing responsibility rather than being assigned or handed to people as more work.

With Non-Invasive Data Governance - The governance of data is applied to existing policies, standard operating procedures, practices, and methodologies … rather than being introduced or emphasized as new processes or methods.

With Non-Invasive Data Governance - The governance of data augments and supports all data integration, risk management, business intelligence and master data management activities rather than imposing inconsistent rigor to these initiatives.

With Non-Invasive Data Governance - Specific attention is paid to assuring senior management’s understanding of a practical and non-threatening yet effective approach to governing data that will be taken to mediate ownership and promote stewarding of data as a cross-organization asset, rather than the traditional method of “you will do this”.

With Non-Invasive Data Governance - Best practices and key concepts of the non-threatening approach are communicated effectively, compared to existing practices to identify and leverage strengths and enable the ability to address opportunities to improve.

Data Governance, by the mere inclusion of the term “governance,” requires the administration of something. In this case, Data Governance refers to the administering of discipline around the management of data. Rather than making the discipline appear threatening and difficult, my suggestion is to follow a “Non-Invasive Data Governance”™ approach that focuses on formalizing what already exists and addressing opportunities to improve.

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For more information on the “Non-Invasive Data Governance”™ approach, please consider attending a public two-day seminar at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 11-12, 2009. Mention this blog when registering and receive one free seat in the seminar for every two at regular price. Visit http://www.kikconsulting.com for more information.

Also, please keep your eyes out for the announcement of a TDAN.com and Business Intelligence Network co-produced web seminar titled - “Non-Invasive Data Governance”™: It is Not all About Command and Control - coming soon to an Internet connection near you.