In April’s Book of the Month, we’re looking at Bob Seiner’s “Non-Invasive Data Governance Unleashed: Empowering People to Govern Data and AI.” This is Seiner’s third book on non-invasive data governance (NIDG) and acts as a companion piece to the original. It provides some focus on how to apply NIDG principles and leverage data governance to assist with AI, as well as other tools and techniques for modern data governance initiatives using NIDG.
In this book, Seiner provides several key topic areas, and for each area, provides a breakdown of tools, techniques, and suggestions for how to work with them following non-invasive data governance principles. For example, Seiner presents key topic areas on foundations of data governance, data governance in action, AI and data governance, and practical strategies and tools, to name only a few.
If you’re working on a non-invasive data governance implementation, the structure of the book allows you to quickly get guidance and tips for each topic area. In each, Seiner provides essay-style points. For example, under AI and Data Governance, there is further discussion on “Data is Key to Sustainable GenAI.” This structure of the book helps the reader get exactly the information they need quickly and provides an organic method for approaching learning from the book; that is, grab it when you have a question, look to it for assistance and guidance, and the book will be there for you.
The topic area on AI and data governance is quite timely. In this section, Seiner provides great detail on how data governance and AI governance are different, but also where there are similarities. Digging further into the topic area, Bob provides guidance on connecting the two, leveraging NIDG for AI and sustaining AI, and providing some insight into different types of AI present at organizations. This topic area alone makes the book worthwhile for the reader.
In a couple of topic areas, Seiner provides not only practical tools and techniques for implementing non-invasive data governance but also talks about NIDG in action. This arms the reader with content to launch their program, tackle specific problems, and understand key items to make a governance program sustainable. In Chapter 6, Seiner goes into detail on cementing data governance’s role at an organization, and making it an engaging, meaningful activity within the business, armed with communication and proof that data governance is moving the needle. Further, Seiner’s experience really shines through when discussing these topics, which arms the reader beyond the standard research and methods promoted in the space.
Lastly, there are a pair of topic areas on working with your leadership team and metaphors, analogies, and stories. Often folks will struggle with executive sponsorship for data governance, or waning excitement for existing programs. Seiner provides the reader with some guidance and content to bolster the reader’s engagement arsenal, including setting realistic goals, navigating organizational politics, and engaging with your data governance council. Seiner also provides the reader with a Data Governance Doesn’t Have to Be Scary section – which is of particular interest, as folks often struggle with data governance being a dirty word or seen as a bureaucratic morass at organizations.
There’s a lot to enjoy in this entry in the Non-Invasive Data Governance series. The book itself lands at over 300 pages of wisdom from Seiner. Readers will find this informative and timely, and Seiner does a lot to add modern context to NIDG. This book is highly recommended for those who are implementing or running a non-invasive data governance program, or folks who are struggling with foundational concepts of data governance.
More About the Author
Robert (Bob) S. Seiner is the President and Principal of KIK Consulting & Educational Services and the Publisher Emeritus of The Data Administration Newsletter (TDAN.com). Bob has been awarded the DAMA Professional Award for significant and demonstrable contributions to the data management industry. Bob specializes in Non-Invasive Data Governance™, data stewardship, and metadata management solutions and has successfully assisted and mentored many notable organizations. Bob is an Adjunct Faculty Member at Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) Heinz College Executive Education Chief Data & AI Officer (CDAIO) certificate program.