What would a truly compelling data strategy look like? It must first paint a compelling vision for data in the organisation. The vision is different from the situation today and that must be clearly explained. The difference then is close by a strategic plan of action to underpin the strategy.
What makes the data vision compelling? For me, this is primarily the link to the business strategy and therefore the strategic imperative to achieve the vision. The executive is passionate about the business strategy and anything that enables that is likely to get their backing. This link may be analytics services which will enable new business services or a step-change in efficiency. It could also be in risk avoidance through attention to data governance.
For the technical audience and data professionals in the organisation, the compelling data must include a full assessment of the current state. Sometimes this only focuses on the analytics and governance that touch the business strategy. These are underpinned by data platforms, people and processes. These have to be seen to be fit for the future vision or actions proposed to resolve. These allow this informed audience to feel that the vision is achievable.
To move forward with a strategy we need a strategic plan. It will be a multi-year plan, at a high level. To be compelling it must clearly call out the outcomes it is enabling for the business, the time these will take to achieve and the investment required by the business. These of course will get refined as this plan becomes projects and actions.
Every data strategy deserves to be compelling. To link the vision to the business strategy. Consider the full implications of realising that vision. Have a strategic costed plan to get there.
For more on building your data strategy please take a look at my course on Udemy, “Getting Started on the Data Strategy”.
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