What do you do if your data governance strategy is stifling your organizational culture?

Data Governance policies should not become Red tape. This will affect overall productivity. Rather, they should share common goal and part of journey with Technology Delivery teams. It is important to be lean and Agile when it comes to Data Governance Framework. If each team has designated Data steward, there will be continuous oversight and constant feedback loop for Data Governance team. Dialogue has to be both ways. Data Governance team should provide all frameworks and Guiding principles and procedures, each team may have to take it up to themselves to review their deliverable and report any exception and create a automated workflow, where Data Governance team provide their final approval or overrides on previous approvals.

Based on my experience when identifying what may be stifling the organizational culture, you should identify the alignment of the company's strategy around DM and DG. This will validate the company's commitment and understanding of the impact that comes with cultural change. If everything is aligned or not, to a vision around data (Data Management and Governance), then you can review what happens with the resources allocated, time commitment, communications and understand the effort involved by all stakeholders. This way, a good diagnosis can be made.

Encourage your teams to take charge of their data-related decisions by granting them more autonomy and ownership. When individuals feel empowered to make choices and take ownership of their work, it fosters a culture of trust and accountability. By entrusting teams with greater responsibility, you not only unleash their potential but also cultivate a more positive and proactive environment where innovation thrives.

Adopt a mindset of perpetual improvement within your data governance strategy. Actively seek out opportunities to innovate and evolve, keeping your finger on the pulse of emerging trends and technologies. By constantly adapting and refining your approach, you ensure that your data governance practices remain aligned with the evolving needs and values of the organization.

Regular assessment of the impact of the data governance initiatives on your organizational culture. Utilize a combination of quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback mechanisms to gain insights into how your strategies are shaping the attitudes and behaviours of your teams. By tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement, you can make informed decisions that strengthen your organizational culture and drive continuous enhancement in your data governance practices.