HUMAN DYNAMICS
As data professionals, we are always seeking better ways to help provide quality, integrated information. We study the latest tools, products and best practice methods, and while helpful, these do not guarantee quality information. However, a key reason for lack of data integration does not have to do with technology – it has to do with people issues. Data silos often stem from people silos. Thus, we believe it is imperative to invest in understanding and honing our skills in human dynamics for any type of integration effort.
So How Do We Ensure Success?
The most important success factor is developing an environment where there are healthy connections between people, which leads to healthy connections between the data. Some of the most successful projects in which I have been involved, all had the following in common:
- The team focuses on serving the overall company
- Clear, compelling and common vision
- Project goals are aligned with the overall company goal
- Selfless team cooperation
- Positive energy
- Trust at all levels of the organization
- Effective communications and involvement from all stakeholders
- A healthy environment where all members are respected and views are valued
- No one is made to feel right or wrong
The biggest challenge of data integration deals with the human dynamics of people and culture, and the issues involved in data silos, turf, power, control and politics. At the core, successful integration involves a shift from “mine” versus “ours”. Integration efforts are often thwarted when a certain area of the business claims “this is my data!” We call this “Data ‘min’ing”.
Same may think, “This human dynamics stuff is just airy-fairy and not applicable to our effort” or “Yes, this is important, but we already know this type of stuff – we need to know about data management!” Yet, there are common scenarios that happen over and over again on integration efforts that are roadblocks and not handled most effectively, such as:
“An enterprise data modeler and a project data modeler are at cross purposes”
“A salesperson says they are interested in customer data integration but doesn’t want to let go of ‘his/her’ data”
“Security risks affect not being able to integrate sensitive data such as HR or financial data”
As data professionals, if we better understand and are better equipped to handle these inevitable types of scenarios that come up in integration efforts, we can improve and help integrate data. One’s mindset, environment, style and strategy can help to promote a fertile place where data integration can happen.
Thus, Universal Data Models provides training, consulting, tools and methods to help in this most critical area that is key to successfully integrating data and enabling quality information.