Very few people would argue that business involvement and support is not a critical success factor for data management initiatives such as data governance or master data management.

And yet, in most cases, our clients biggest challenge is achieving this support.

One option is to walk away – if we cannot achieve meaningful business involvement then our big initiative is extremely likely (I am tempted to say doomed) to fail.

But what if you can’t walk away?

We frequently see Data Stewards or Data Quality Management positions that are created as a middle management position – in many cases with very limited budgets, no tools, and very limited teams. The most common issue these people have is “a lack of support” from senior management causing a lack of support across the enterprise.

The problem that we address in most cases is one of perception.  In most cases, the fact that the Data Quality position exists is due to an understanding by senior management that there are data issues that need to be addressed – in itself this is a sign of support.

The bottom line – their perception is that they have addressed the problem by employing someone to take care of the details.

Shifting from Perception to Reality

Here’s how to bridge this gap:

1. Reframe the Narrative: Shift the conversation from “we need more support” to “we need to demonstrate the value we bring.” Focus on the impact improved data quality can have on business goals – increased efficiency, better decision-making, or improved customer experiences. Quantify the potential benefits whenever possible.

2. Start Small, Win Big: Don’t overwhelm stakeholders with a massive data quality or governance overhaul. Identify a specific, high-impact area and focus on delivering measurable improvements quickly. Early wins build trust and demonstrate the effectiveness of data management initiatives.

3. Collaboration is Key: Work closely with business users to understand their data challenges. Engage them in the data quality improvement process. When stakeholders feel heard and included, they’re more likely to become advocates for data management.

4. Data Storytelling: Don’t just present dry data reports. Use clear, concise visualizations and compelling narratives to showcase the story behind the data. Highlight how improved data quality can directly impact business success.

5. Focus on Partnership: Position yourself as a partner, not a burden. Offer your expertise to help business units achieve their goals. By demonstrating the value data management brings, you’ll foster a collaborative environment with broader support.

Remember: Building business support is a marathon, not a sprint. By focusing on value, collaboration, and impactful results, you can bridge the perception gap and secure the support needed for successful data management initiatives.