Here's how you can resolve conflicts in a data governance role through active listening.

In the evolving realm of data governance, conflicts are inevitable due to the diverse perspectives and interests at play. As a data governance professional, your role often involves navigating these conflicts to ensure that data is managed effectively and ethically. Active listening is a critical skill in this context, as it allows you to understand the underlying issues and work towards a resolution that aligns with your organization's data governance policies and objectives. By truly hearing what stakeholders are saying and addressing their concerns, you can foster collaboration and make more informed decisions that benefit everyone involved.

1 Active Empathy

Active listening in data governance starts with empathy. By putting yourself in the shoes of your colleagues, you can gain a deeper understanding of their viewpoints and concerns. This doesn't mean you have to agree with them, but acknowledging their perspectives can build trust and open the door to constructive dialogue. When you demonstrate empathy, you're not just hearing words; you're recognizing the emotions and motivations behind them. This can be particularly valuable when dealing with sensitive data issues, where stakeholder fears and reservations may not be immediately apparent.

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Liz H.

NED | Strategic Business & Technology Advisor | Digital & AI Transformations | Speaker | Thought Leader | STEM Ambassador | Empowering Organisations to Unlock the Value of Data with Digital and AI-Driven Strategies
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In my experience, I agree, active listening is super important. People need to feel heard to join the data journey and any change activity. However, there needs to be action and this action needs to be measured for progress against the plan and needs to add value to both the organisation and the individual needs to understand what's in it for them. Explain it in a way that everyone at every level can understand!

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VARUN GHORPADE

Data Governance Lead certified (Collibra) | Azure certified | LLM | Cloud Data warehouse Certified (Informatica) | Data Analyst | ETL | Business Intelligence Developer | STAMP 4
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Lot of times we tend to go in to a conversation with a preconceived notion and often get bias towards our own thoughts. As a data governance practitioner, you have be empathetic towards the team or person you are dealing as they might there concerns regarding the data they are using on daily basis. You have to understand that the solution you are going to provide should not rigid but needs to adopt as per the requirement of the data.

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MANOEL SILVINO KAUER NETO

Data Delivery Manager | Data & Insight | Data Analytics | Data Driven | Data Governance | Data Architecture | Data Engineer | Data Viz | Business Intelligence | Data Warehousing | Data Lake | Big Data | GCP | AZURE | AWS
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Temos que compreender os diferentes pontos de vista e estar abertos a um diálogo construtivo, só assim será possível a interação e a construção de um processo de confiança

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2 Listen Fully

To resolve conflicts effectively, you must listen without interruption. Resist the urge to formulate a response while the other person is speaking. Instead, focus on the content, tone, and body language to fully grasp their message. This complete attention to detail can reveal the root of the conflict, allowing you to address it directly. In data governance, where technical details and compliance requirements are often at the heart of disputes, missing even a small piece of information can lead to misunderstandings and prolonged conflict.

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MANOEL SILVINO KAUER NETO

Data Delivery Manager | Data & Insight | Data Analytics | Data Driven | Data Governance | Data Architecture | Data Engineer | Data Viz | Business Intelligence | Data Warehousing | Data Lake | Big Data | GCP | AZURE | AWS
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Mostre interesse e total atenção ao que está sendo transmitido. Permita que a informação chegue de forma completa, sem interrupções. Depois que tudo for comunicado, faça confirmações de entendimento e busquem juntos trabalhar no melhor caminho para resolver o conflito.

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3 Clarify Concerns

After listening, seek clarification to ensure you've understood correctly. Ask open-ended questions that encourage stakeholders to expand on their points. This not only shows that you are actively engaged but also helps to uncover any hidden assumptions or gaps in understanding. In the context of data governance, where terms and implications can be complex, clarification is essential to ensure that all parties are on the same page and that the solutions you develop are based on a clear and shared understanding of the issues at hand.

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Sayyed Nasimunnissa

Data Governance Analyst specializing in Data Governance at Tevapharm India Pvt. Ltd.
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Clarifying information is crucial in active listening because it ensures that everyone understands each other clearly. When you clarify, you're making sure that you've correctly interpreted what someone is saying. This helps to prevent misunderstandings and allows for more effective communication with stakeholders. By asking questions or summarizing what you've heard, you can confirm that you're on the same page as the other person. It supports effective data governance by ensuring accurate understanding and alignment with stakeholders' data-related needs and expectations.

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4 Reflect Back

Reflecting back what you've heard is a powerful active listening technique in conflict resolution. It involves summarizing the other person's points in your own words to confirm your understanding. This reflection can defuse tension by showing stakeholders that their input is valued and considered. In data governance, reflecting back can also help in aligning technical jargon with business language, ensuring that all participants comprehend the implications of data-related decisions and policies.

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5 Offer Solutions

Once you've established a mutual understanding through active listening, it's time to offer solutions. Present your ideas in a way that aligns with the interests and concerns of all parties involved. In data governance, this might involve proposing a compromise on data access levels or suggesting a new policy that addresses compliance while meeting business needs. By basing your solutions on the information gathered through active listening, you increase the likelihood of finding a resolution that is acceptable to everyone.

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6 Follow Up

After discussions, follow up with stakeholders to reinforce the outcomes and next steps. This ensures that everyone is clear about decisions made and their respective roles in implementing them. In data governance, where policies and procedures are continuously evolving, regular follow-ups are crucial to maintain alignment and address any new concerns that may arise. It demonstrates your commitment to resolving conflicts and upholding the principles of effective data governance.

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7 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?

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Here's how you can resolve conflicts in a data governance role through active listening.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Active Empathy

2 Listen Fully

3 Clarify Concerns

4 Reflect Back

5 Offer Solutions

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Data Governance

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Here's how you can resolve conflicts in a data governance role through active listening.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Active Empathy

2 Listen Fully

3 Clarify Concerns

4 Reflect Back

5 Offer Solutions

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Data Governance

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