Discover the True Meaning of Data Stewardship through an Inspiring baSotho Story

In this thought-provoking tale, drawn from baSotho folklore, we find profound insights into the significance of collaboration and compromise in the realm of data stewardship. Unveil the remarkable potential of effective data stewards who not only prevent governance failure but also foster data integrity for your enterprise’s most valuable asset – information.

The BaSotho Story

During the droughts of the late 1700s, a baSotho tribe faced relentless attacks from marauding bands. A solution was proposed – stockpile food and water in a cave on a cliff, accessible only by ropes. The man who suggested this idea claimed the right to be its steward. Once he reached the top, he cut the ropes and turned the stockpile into a commodity, selling food and water at exorbitant prices, leading to famine and despair.

However, justice prevailed when a hungry young man, seeking relief from the devastating situation, inadvertently led the marauding tribes to the cave. They ended the despotic rule and brought salvation to the suffering people. But the marauding tribes also imposed their own oppressive demands, illustrating how one despotic rule can be replaced with another.

The Parallels to Data Stewardship

The other day I was in conversation with a senior manager when he began discussing one of the data stewards.

“Whenever I see Bob, I hide my face and hurry past. I pretend I haven;t seen him. He isn’t helpful – he just creates problems.”

The baSotho story draws a poignant parallel to data stewardship within organizations. When data stewards are perceived as despots, it is a clear sign of governance failure. This can occur when data stewards prioritize theoretical principles over practical business priorities or when governance operates in isolated silos.

When different business users have differing priorities and there is no forum to collaborate and negotiate a compromise, then data stewards acting in the interests of one area will create conflict in other areas

The natural result?

People will find ways to get what they need by bypassing the data stewards. Governance will fail.

Data governance should strike a balance between saying “No” to prevent misuse of data while actively supporting reasonable business goals. This requires effective communication, negotiation, and a willingness to collaborate with stakeholders to deliver value.

Key Insights:

• Collaboration and compromise are essential in data stewardship.
• Siloed governance can lead to conflicts and bypassing of data stewards.
• Data governance should define exceptions clearly to avoid legal and reputational risks.
• Effective data stewards support reasonable business goals and facilitate acceptable use policies.

Data integrity is not just about rules and regulations; it is about fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and responsible data management. Embrace the true essence of data stewardship, and unlock the full potential of your enterprise information asset.

Join us on this enlightening journey of data stewardship, where we strive to empower, not control, and where the collective success of the organization is the ultimate goal.

Contact us to learn more about effective data stewardship and how it can transform your organization’s data landscape.