Stop Being Lazy With Your Data

Stop Being Lazy With Your Data

- by Bob Seiner, Expert in Data Management

As the calendar flips to 2025, many of us are busy scribbling down resolutions – eat healthier, exercise more, and spend less time doom-scrolling. But have you considered adding a resolution for your organization? Specifically, how about resolving not to be lazy with your data? Yes, lazy. Because the way some organizations treat their data is akin to hitting the snooze button on a morning workout – ignoring the discipline that’s needed and then wondering why nothing gets better. Let’s talk about the signs of data laziness, why it’s a problem, and how to turn things around with a smarter, more practical approach like Non-Invasive Data Governance (NIDG).

Signs Your Organization is Being Lazy With Data

Laziness with data is sneaky. It often hides behind phrases like, “We’ve always done it this way,” or, “We’ll get to it later.” One sign is inconsistent data definitions across teams, leaving everyone speaking different languages when it comes to reports and metrics. Another is the over-reliance on spreadsheets to manage critical business functions – a clear indicator that data management is an afterthought. Then there’s the “Wild West” scenario, where data is accessed, modified, or shared without clear rules, leading to confusion and chaos.

Another major red flag? The lack of formal accountability. When no one knows who owns what data, or when roles like data stewards or owners exist only on paper but not in practice, it’s a sure sign your organization is lounging on the data governance couch. And let’s not forget the lack of proactive monitoring. If your team is constantly fixing the same data quality issues instead of preventing them, you’re stuck in a reactive cycle that screams, “We’re too busy to do this the right way.”

The Impact of Data Laziness

Data laziness doesn’t just slow you down – it creates a ripple effect of inefficiencies, errors, and risks. Poorly managed data leads to misinformed decisions, eroding trust in analytics and creating doubt about the numbers. Think of it this way. If your leadership can’t trust the data, how can they trust the decisions made from it? The result is hesitation, missed opportunities, and, in some cases, disastrous business outcomes.

Compliance risks are another consequence. In today’s regulatory environment, sloppiness with data can land you in hot water. Whether it’s GDPR, CCPA, or industry-specific rules, failing to secure and govern your data properly could result in hefty fines and reputational damage. And don’t forget the impact on employee morale – teams stuck chasing down errors or reconciling conflicting data sets will quickly lose motivation, making it harder to foster a data-driven culture.

Getting Off the Data Governance Sofa

It’s time to ditch the excuses and take action. Start by creating a data inventory – know what data you have, where it lives, and who uses it. This doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking. Break it down by domain or department and tackle it incrementally. Recognize clear roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability. An acknowledged data steward is not a title. It is someone actively involved in making sure data is accurate, secure, and properly managed.

Next, implement data quality and security checks as part of your regular processes. Don’t wait for a problem to surface – be proactive about enforcing data standards and guidelines. Communicate these rules clearly across the organization, ensuring everyone understands their role in maintaining data integrity. Finally, make governance part of your culture by tying it to tangible outcomes. Show how cleaner, more reliable data leads to faster decisions, happier customers, and smoother operations.

Why NIDG is the Best Way to Undo Data Laziness

If the idea of enforcing governance sounds daunting, that’s where the Non-Invasive Data Governance approach comes in. NIDG makes governance feel less like a chore and more like an enhancement to the way people already work. It’s about embedding governance into existing processes rather than introducing disruptive, top-down mandates. By aligning governance practices with what people are already doing, NIDG minimizes resistance and maximizes adoption.

Think of NIDG as the personal trainer for your data governance resolution. It meets you where you are, helps you build good habits, and keeps you accountable without overhauling your entire routine. With NIDG, governance becomes a natural part of how your organization operates – empowering your team to focus on delivering value, not just fighting fires.

Conclusion

As we dive into 2025, let’s make data governance a priority rather than an afterthought. The cost of data laziness is far too high to ignore, impacting decisions, operations, compliance, and morale. By recognizing the signs of inaction and their consequences, your organization can begin to shift its mindset from reactive to proactive. Data governance doesn’t have to be overwhelming or disruptive – it can be the key to unlocking better business outcomes, greater efficiency, and more confidence in the data that drives your success.

The Non-Invasive Data Governance approach offers a clear, practical path forward. By integrating governance seamlessly into existing processes, NIDG eliminates the resistance and complexity often associated with traditional governance models. It empowers teams to take ownership of their data responsibilities while improving accuracy, accountability, and trust. So, this year, let’s resolve to get off the data governance sofa, embrace a smarter approach, and set your organization on a path to sustained growth and innovation. Because when your data is well-governed, your business is well-positioned to thrive.

Non-Invasive Data Governance™ is a trademark of Robert S. Seiner / KIK Consulting & Educational Services

Copyright © 2025 – Robert S. Seiner and KIK Consulting & Educational Services