Data Strategy Tools: Plan for Discuragment


One last tool you will need to have ready to use when you implement your data strategy is not really a tool. It is more of a framework that you will need to build around you and your team. As you lead your team you have to acknowledge that there will be set backs in time lines or even in tasks. You have to build up a framework using process to support your team and combat the mental fatigue that discouragement creates.

So how does a leader show to the team that their feelings are known, understood, and cared for?

First you have to acknowledge that discouragement is going to be a part of this process. To show this you have to put processes in place to combat it from the start. What is important here is that your team knows that you care and the only way that they know that is if you show them that.

Start with these five tips:

  1. Break tasks down into smaller parts. When faced with a large and complex task, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. To avoid discouragement, break the task down into smaller, more manageable parts. This will make it seem less daunting and help you to make progress more quickly. As the wins stack up your team will find the motivation to keep moving forward.

  2. Set realistic goals. When setting goals for your data strategy, it's important to be realistic. Don't try to do too much too soon. Set small, achievable goals that you can build on over time. Do not be afraid to stack goals. Instead of having a goal to implement a data quality organization, start with evaluating data quality tools with the goal to select one. Eventually you will get the organization off the ground but the smaller goals will help show the progress you are making and be encouraging to the team.

  3. Celebrate your successes. It's important to celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they may seem. Also do not celebrate everything with an email. Get involved with the team celebration by providing a lunch or even setting up a team outing when bigger milestones have been reached. A free meal will take moral to a new level just because you are demonstrating that you care and appreciate the team.

  4. Communicate regularly with stakeholders. Regular communication with stakeholders is essential for any successful data strategy. Keep stakeholders informed of your progress and share your successes with them. This will help to build support for your data strategy and keep the team motivated.

  5. Seek help when needed. Don't be afraid to seek help when you need it. There are many resources available to help you implement a data strategy. Talk to other organizations that have successfully implemented data strategies and learn from their experiences. Local user groups can lead to great contacts as well.

Of all of these suggestions if I had to prioritize any one over the rest it would be communication with the stakeholders. This one step can make or break your data strategy. If your stakeholders do not know about the small goals and successes then all they are going to see is the final state of the data strategy. No organization is patient enough to wait for a goal that is that large and far off. You have to win the stakeholders over showing them how your team is progressing and then let the stakeholders inform the business. Communication is the only way you will get those five star reviews that your team needs to fight discouragement.

What are some practical ways you can build support for your data strategy and keep your team motivated?

  • Set up regular meetings. Schedule regular meetings with business stakeholders to discuss your progress and get their feedback.
  • Create a communication plan. Develop a communication plan that outlines how you will communicate with business stakeholders throughout the data strategy implementation process.
  • Use a variety of communication channels. Use a variety of communication channels to reach business stakeholders, such as email, meetings, and presentations.
  • Be transparent and honest. This point cannot be stressed enough.  When you are transparent and honest with business stakeholders about your progress and any challenges you are facing you start to build trust.  When setbacks do happen that trust can be cashed in for understanding.  Discouragement can be reduced when your team knows that the business understands that no mater what happens they will make it to the intended target.
At the outset of your data strategy you need to anticipate discouragement and put in processes to combat it.  Show your team that you are concerned for them from the start and they will follow you though the battlefield with a loyal determination that will surprise you.  That is how you and your team can fight discouragement.   

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