Implementation Guide: Developing a Comprehensive Data Management Strategy in 3 Months
In the corporate realm, a data governance program can often be viewed as an annoyance, sparking images of red tape, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and outside meddling hampering daily operations. Sherry Hidalgo, the data governance and MDM director at Shaw Industries, however, flipped this stereotype on its head during a presentation at a Data Governance & Information Quality Conference in San Diego.
Hidalgo recounted her transformative journey at Shaw Industries, where she turned the company's data governance conception around. Shaw Industries, a $6 billion flooring and surfacing products empire, previously dealt with outdated, clunky data management, with team members often unaware of others' activities. But, within three months, Hidalgo spearheaded a successful data governance program, streamlining operations and the company culture.
People Power
Upon joining Shaw Industries in 2019, the company was at a crossroads, featuring a healthy data steward staff but lacking a coherent governance framework. Hidalgo set her sights on changing the mindset from "We do it this way" to "We do it the Shaw way now."
Hidalgo's success was due in large part to having the right people. A key factor was her hiring of an outside leader with a passion for data-driven, top-down solutions as Shaw's new CEO. This new executive offered unwavering support and galvanized efforts, which proved essential during the implementation process.
Hidalgo built her team by assembling discussion teams and even a data book club, encouraging engagement with data culture and fostering a collaborative environment. They also established a unified focus on the mission statement: "restoring data quality ownership to the business, by aligning technology and business strategies through simplification and standardization."
Technological Transformation
Although Hidalgo firmly believes in the power of people, she additionally recognized the importance of technology platforms to augment her 90-day data governance mission. Post reviewing four vendors, she chose Informatica to facilitate Shaw's new master data vision. A nanosecond of trust between clients and tech vendors is vital for success, and Hidalgo developed a strong partnership throughout the process.
After implementation began in May, Hidalgo prepared for a "jumpstart" campaign, cataloging existing data one subset at a time. By July, the entire business was on board with the immense value-add of her data governance efforts.
The Future: Influence and Evangelism
Even though Hidalgo is wholly dedicated to Shaw Industries, her long-term goal is to shift perceptions of data governance across the corporate world. To disseminate the message of data governance, Hidalgo employs a variety of means: training sessions, internal communication, branding, blogs, websites, memes, and personal encounters.
In town hall meetings and roadshows, Hidalgo showcases her Shaw successes, demonstrating that data governance brings speed, enabling her to continue engaging over 20,000 more individuals. Her mission is to combat the narrative that data governance is an evil necessity or an oppressive force. Instead, she explained, "we actually are speeding you up. We're telling you, yes, give me your information. Yes, we're going to do this; going to do that. But it's because we're going to get all of this and help you. We make it exciting."
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Here's the video of the Data Governance & Information Quality Conference presentation:
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Leadership and technology both play significant roles in transforming a data governance program. Effective leaders set a clear vision, foster data stewardship, and support innovation to ensure data management practices are consistent with business goals. On the technology side, implementing sophisticated data management tools, AI and automation, data analytics, and insights all contribute to streamlining processes, making informed decisions, and improving operational efficiency.
- Sherry Hidalgo's success in transforming Shaw Industries' data governance program emphasizes the crucial role of leadership and people power in driving change. Hiring an outside leader passionate about data-driven solutions was pivotal in securing unwavering support for the initiative.
- Hidalgo's team-building strategies included forming discussion teams, a data book club, and establishing a focus on the mission statement: "restoring data quality ownership to the business, by aligning technology and business strategies through simplification and standardization."
- Recognizing the importance of technology, Hidalgo chose Informatica as a partner to facilitate Shaw's new master data vision and strengthen their data management practices. With a strong partnership between Hidalgo and the tech vendor, they achieved a seamless implementation process.
- Hidalgo's long-term goal is to shift the negative perception of data governance across the corporate world, advocating for its benefits through various means like training sessions, internal communication, branding, blogs, memes, and personal encounters. Her ultimate mission is to convince businesses that data governance can help speed up operations and enable informed decision-making, rather than serving as an obstacle.
- To learn more about the latest data governance best practices and upcoming conferences, visit [your_website_url] for a comprehensive lineup of online and face-to-face events. Additionally, you can check out the video of Sherry Hidalgo's presentation at the Data Governance & Information Quality Conference.
- For those seeking comprehensive data governance education and self-development, consider exploring our enterprise training bundles, which offer leadership training and advanced data management tools to ensure data management practices consistently align with business goals.
