How to Promote Information Governance within Your Organization

This article does not aim to provide inspirational sales tactics for pitching solutions to customers or prospective. If you were seeking such guidance, please proceed to the next article. Instead, the focus here is on educating, advocating for, and cultivating internal support for an information governance program. Those who have ventured down this path understand the potential challenges that lie ahead, and I encourage these dedicated individuals to share their insights in the comments section below.

The realm of information governance encompasses a vast array of facets: from handling sensitive data and mitigating data breaches to fortifying infrastructure security, safeguarding cloud data, addressing personally identifiable information (PII), and adhering to regulations like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It often feels like every organization aspires to establish an information governance program, yet these aspirations often falter due to various obstacles. Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the success of information governance hinges on securing the unanimous commitment of all divisions within a company.

I acknowledge the presence of countless experts in this field; however, I do possess some credible insights to help you overcome the challenges of implementing information governance.

Information governance is not a puzzle that can be solved in a single day. It is imperative to embrace the "crawl, walk, run" approach. Demonstrating immediate value and achieving small, quick victories will propel you toward your overarching objectives. Far too often, individuals assume they can resolve everything in a single sprint. Yet, after contending with multiple disputes and setbacks, they often concede. By showcasing incremental successes, even the most resistant individuals become proponents of the cause, setting in motion a positive chain reaction. One department's success leads to the involvement of others, ultimately creating a domino effect.

Within each department, establishing a framework or a foundational information governance practice not only delivers immediate benefits but also creates a template for the future. In 2023, people come and go, ideas evolve, and opinions vary. By instituting guidelines rooted in a collective consensus, you arm your information governance initiative with a robust foundation. You no longer need to battle with insufficient tools; instead, your arsenal is equipped with the very ideas put forth by those who may have initially opposed the program.

This article only scratches the surface of what can be achieved. There is a wealth of insights and guidance to be shared in the future. However, there's no need to be apprehensive. Much like embarking on an exercise routine, progress begins with a single step. Take it one day at a time to move closer to your goals. Don't procrastinate. Start your information governance journey today.