Ten Rules to Become a Data Steward
The concept of stewardship is pivotal, yet often misinterpreted. My “Ten Rules to Become a Data Steward”, a comprehensive guide rooted in the principles of Non-Invasive Data Governance (NIDG), challenges conventional notions and reshapes our understanding of data stewardship. These rules advocate for a paradigm shift from traditional, hierarchical models to a more inclusive, flexible, and organic system. This transformative approach recognizes that effective data governance is not confined to specific titles or roles but is an inherent aspect of every individual’s interaction with data.
[Author’s Note: Back in 2016 I wrote the article you will see in the next link. This article made the case that everybody in an organization is a data steward and that organization’s should “get over” that fact. I have been told that the last statement was “rude” (only once), and I have also been told that “if everybody is a data steward, then nobody is a data steward”. I disagree. Read the article and let me know what you think.]
This guide begins by establishing that anyone within an organization, regardless of their formal role, can be a Data Steward. This principle of inclusivity is the bedrock of NIDG, advocating for a democratization of data stewardship. It acknowledges that every employee, through their unique interaction with data, contributes to its governance. This approach extends beyond mere designation of responsibilities, fostering a culture where data stewardship is an integral part of everyone’s role.
The Ten Rules
The ten rules explain what it means to be a Data Steward, emphasizing that it is less about a specific position and more about the relationship an individual has with data. Whether it involves data entry, analysis, or strategic decision-making, each interaction with data bestows a stewardship role, underscoring the NIDG’s objective of embedding data governance seamlessly into existing organizational structures and workflows. This series of rules not only offers practical guidance but also echoes a profound understanding of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of data governance in the modern world:
- A Data Steward Can Be Absolutely Anybody: Embracing the philosophy of Non-Invasive Data Governance, this rule asserts that any individual in an organization, irrespective of their role or department, can function as a Data Steward. This inclusivity reflects the idea that everyone who interacts with data, in any capacity, holds some level of responsibility for its governance.
In practice, this means acknowledging and harnessing the data management efforts already happening informally. This approach democratizes data stewardship, empowering individuals at all levels to engage with and improve data practices, thus fostering a culture of collective responsibility and enhanced data literacy.
- Being a Data Steward Describes a Relationship to Data and is Not a Position: This principle underscores that data stewardship is less about an official job title and more about the functional relationship an individual has with data. Whether one is involved in data entry, analysis, or decision-making, their interaction with data inherently bestows a stewardship role.
The NIDG model capitalizes on this natural relationship, avoiding the need to create new positions or disrupt existing organizational structures. Instead, it focuses on recognizing and formalizing these existing data interactions, thereby enhancing accountability and data governance without the need for significant structural changes.
- A Data Steward is Not Hired to be a Data Steward: In line with the NIDG Framework, this rule emphasizes that Data Stewards typically emerge organically within an organization. It reflects the reality that most employees, through their daily interactions with data, are already performing stewardship roles, albeit informally.
This perspective aligns with the NIDG principle of formalizing what is already occurring naturally, thus minimizing resistance and disruption. Recognizing and empowering these existing stewards can be more effective than hiring new personnel, as it builds upon the existing knowledge base and relationships within the organization.
- A Data Steward Does Not Need to have the Title of “Data Steward”: This rule aligns with the core NIDG principle of minimizing disruption and acknowledges the diverse roles that contribute to data governance. It highlights that employees need not have ‘Data Steward’ as a part of their official title to contribute meaningfully to data governance.
By leveraging the existing roles and expertise within the organization, NIDG fosters a more integrated and collaborative approach to data management. This strategy not only streamlines the process but also respects and utilizes the inherent skills and knowledge present within the workforce.
- A Data Steward Does Not Have to be Told How to Do Their Job: This principle emphasizes the autonomy and existing expertise of Data Stewards within the NIDG framework. Recognizing that individuals already possess the skills and knowledge pertinent to their roles, NIDG focuses on enhancing their understanding of how their actions impact data governance.
Rather than prescribing new tasks, it’s about enlightening employees on the significance of their existing interactions with data and providing guidance on how to optimize these interactions for better governance. This approach respects the professional capabilities of employees and builds upon their existing relationships with data.
- Public or Industry Data Steward Certification is a Load of Bunk (IMHO): I often express skepticism towards external certification, in line with NIDG’s focus on internal, specific role-based education and understanding. The premise here is that data stewardship is highly contextual and unique to each organization’s environment.
Therefore, a standardized industry certification may not effectively address the specific needs and nuances of an organization. Instead, NIDG advocates for customized, in-house education that is directly relevant to the unique data landscape of the organization, thereby ensuring more effective and applicable learning.
- There is More Than One Data Steward for Each Type of Data: Acknowledging the multifaceted interactions different employees have with various data types, this rule reinforces the idea of collective responsibility in data governance. In the NIDG approach, this translates into recognizing the diversity of stewardship roles and responsibilities across the organization.
This multiplicity acknowledges that different perspectives and interactions with the same data type can offer more comprehensive oversight and governance. It moves away from the notion of a singular steward per data type, promoting a more collaborative and holistic approach.
- Data Steward Training Should be Focused on “Formalizing Accountability”: Training in the realm of NIDG is geared towards clarifying and enhancing the inherent accountability associated with data-related roles. This training aims to provide clarity on the specific responsibilities of each steward in relation to data management, thereby formalizing their role within the broader scope of data governance.
This strategy not only reinforces the importance of each steward’s role in maintaining data integrity and compliance but also ensures that they are well-equipped to handle their responsibilities effectively.
- Data Stewards Must Be Integrated within the Organizational Structure: This rule advocates for the seamless integration of Data Stewardship within the existing framework of an organization. By embedding stewardship roles within the current structure, NIDG avoids the creation of new, potentially redundant positions.
This integration respects and utilizes the established channels and hierarchies within the organization, ensuring that the data governance initiatives are aligned with and supportive of the existing operational flow. It emphasizes the adaptability of NIDG to diverse organizational structures, making it a versatile and practical approach.
- Data Stewards Must Continuously Evolve and Adapt: In a rapidly evolving data landscape, the roles and responsibilities of Data Stewards are not static. This rule underscores the necessity for ongoing learning and adaptability in stewardship roles. NIDG recognizes that as the organization’s data environment changes – be it due to technological advancements, regulatory changes, or shifts in business strategy – the approach to data stewardship must also evolve.
This principle ensures that the stewardship roles remain relevant and effective, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in data governance.
What This Means Operationally
The concept that anyone involved in defining, producing, and using data is a steward of that data fundamentally alters the organizational approach to data management. Realistically, this shift means embedding data governance into the very fabric of daily operations. Employees at all levels begin to recognize the critical role they play in maintaining data integrity and quality. This awareness is not confined to specific departments or roles; instead, it permeates throughout the organization, fostering a collective responsibility for data.
Operationally, this translates into a series of systemic changes where data stewardship becomes an integral part of every job description. The key operational change lies in how data-related tasks are handled – from data entry to analysis to decision-making. These tasks are no longer seen as mere functions of a job but are understood in the context of the broader impact they have on the organization’s data ecosystem.
Implementing this concept operationally involves a comprehensive strategy encompassing training, process integration, and accountability structures. Training programs become more than just informative sessions; they are processes that equip every employee with the necessary understanding of their role in data governance. These educational initiatives clarify the direct impact of individual actions on data quality and compliance, fostering a proactive approach to data handling.
Operationally, integrating this understanding into everyday workflows is crucial. It involves aligning existing processes with data governance principles, ensuring that data stewardship is not an additional task but a natural part of routine activities. Establishing clear lines of accountability is pivotal. This ensures transparency and responsibility, where every employee understands and is held accountable for their interaction with data. Such operational integration of NIDG cultivates an environment where data governance is not an enforced protocol but an organic element of the organizational culture, leading to more effective and sustainable data management practices.
Summary
The essence of these Data Steward Rules, steeped in the principles of Non-Invasive Data Governance (NIDG), presents a groundbreaking perspective on stewardship as the most natural and effective means to embed NIDG into an organization’s culture. These rules pivot away from traditional, rigid governance models, advocating for a more inclusive and organic approach. Central to this philosophy is the recognition that every individual in an organization, irrespective of their official title or role, inherently engages in data stewardship through their everyday interactions with data.
This inclusive approach democratizes the concept of data stewardship, making it a universal responsibility rather than a specialized role. It resonates with the core NIDG tenet of leveraging existing roles and relationships within the organization, thereby fostering a culture where data governance becomes an integral, seamless aspect of everyone’s job.
