Cost Versus Value of Data Governance Coaching

I often get asked for free advice and I truly wish had enough time to help everyone who asks but unfortunately, Data Governance Coaching is not free.  It can, however, add massive value to your organisation.

In fact, coaching, in general, is becoming a well-known asset to the overall success of organisations. The Institute of Coaching research tells us that over 70% of individuals who receive coaching benefit from improved work performance, relationships, and more effective communication skills. All massive pluses when it comes to implementing a successful Data Governance initiative.

So, I want to look explore the ways Data Governance Coaching can bring value to you and your organisation.

Let's get started.

Advice from someone who has been there and done that

A huge benefit of working with me or one of my coaches is that we have almost definitely experienced the same kind of challenges and hurdles of setting up a Data Governance initiative as you are facing.

For example, if you are struggling to articulate what Data Governance means to your key stakeholders and your organisation, then you may fail to convince them to support your Data Governance initiative. If you fail to gain stakeholder buy-in, it is unlikely the initiative will deliver much value, the Data Governance initiative may fail and you could be blamed.

I get it. I have been there. Having support means we can work through it together and you can benefit from the mistakes I've made in the past. I always say – I've already made the mistakes so you don’t have to!

Coaching goes beyond theory

Working with a coach gives you more than just theoretical knowledge - a Data Governance coach can support you in developing actionable steps to help you with YOUR Data Governance initiatives specifically. Factorial uses the well known saying to summarise just this; give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. Good coaching won't necessarily give you the answers straight up, but a good coach will support you as you work through your Data Governance challenges.

You’ll gain confidence in your own Data Governance Initiative

It’s one thing thinking or hoping you’re doing the right thing - it’s another to know it! And to have the confidence to sell it to senior stakeholders.

Good coaching will give you the boost of confidence you need to help your Data Governance initiative succeed. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to implement effective strategies that align with your organisation's objectives.

Zavvy calls this 'employee empowerment' and states that it brings more confidence in an individual's abilities, allowing them to think outside the box when it comes to problem solving and taking the initiative to improve processes. This can be vital when dealing with unconvinced stakeholders.

Many of my clients state this to be one of the biggest benefits from doing coaching and have called me “their critical friend”.

Going it alone can feel lonely!

Data Governance can feel isolating, especially if you’re brand new to it or the only person in your organisation whose remit it is. Participating in coaching sessions connects you with like-minded professionals, giving you the support you need for ongoing collaboration and idea exchange.

Is coaching worth it?

Ultimately, the answer to this depends on what you want to accomplish and the value you place on accomplishing it.

As someone who has worked from the ground up in Data Governance, I can say that there is no such thing as a standard approach to Data Governance. It's different for every organisation. However, there are some clear steps that everyone needs to follow to gain senior stakeholder buy-in and to design a framework that is right for them.

If you are struggling to gain the interest and/or participation of stakeholders or to design an effective framework then chances are you would benefit from a Data Governance coach. The cost of coaching will outweigh the cost of having to start again due to uncertainty or lack of confidence.

I hope that was helpful and don't forget if you have any questions you’d like covered in future videos or blogs please email me - questions@nicolaaskham.com.

Or you’d like to know more about how I can help you and your organisation then please book a call (click here).

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Originally published on www.nicolaaskham.com