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Oct 1 2025
Rethinking (Data) Politics in the Workplace
Most people cringe when they hear the word politics in the workplace. It brings to mind backroom deals, favoritism, turf wars, and decision-making that feels more about power than about progress. In the world of data, politics often gets blamed for blocking change — departments hoarding information, leaders fighting over priorities, and executives struggling to […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Aug 6 2025
Data Governance and CSR: Evolving Together
In a world where every claim your organization makes — about sustainability, equity, or social impact — is scrutinized by regulators, investors, and the public, one truth stands out: Your data has never mattered more. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) isn’t just about good intentions — it is about trustworthy, transparent data that stands up to […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Jul 16 2025
All in the Data: Where Good Data Comes From
Let’s start with a truth that too many people still overlook — not all data is good data. Just because something is sitting in a database or spreadsheet doesn’t mean it’s accurate, trustworthy, or useful. In the age of AI and advanced analytics, we’ve somehow convinced ourselves that data — any data — can be […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Feb 19 2025
Living the Ungoverned Life
Organizations often assume they have data governance under control, but in reality, many are simply reacting to data chaos rather than actively managing it. This isn’t due to negligence or a lack of concern — rather, it’s because they don’t recognize that governance is already happening, albeit informally and inconsistently. Every day, employees make critical […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Jan 1 2025
All in the Data: Too Soon for Q Governance?
Quantum computing, with its groundbreaking capabilities, is poised to redefine how organizations solve complex problems and innovate in ways previously unimaginable. As industries begin to explore its potential, a pressing question emerges: Are we ready to govern this new frontier? Much like the evolution of AI necessitated AI governance, quantum computing demands its own variation […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Dec 4 2024
Data Governance Defying Gravitas
“Defying Gravity,” the show-stopping anthem from the musical “Wicked,” captures the essence of breaking free from conventions and soaring beyond expectations. Just as Elphaba, the protagonist witch from “Wicked,” refuses to be bound by the weight of societal norms, Non-Invasive Data Governance (NIDG) offers organizations a way to defy the gravitas of traditional governance frameworks. […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Sep 18 2024
Combat Governance Dilution: The CGO Solution
The term “governance” has become so widely used that it has lost much of its impact and precision. Originally, governance referred to the frameworks and processes for formalized and effective organizational control and accountability. However, its frequent and broad application across various contexts — ranging from IT to corporate, data, information, and AI governance — […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Jul 3 2024
Artificial vs. Augmented Intelligence
Terms like artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented intelligence are often used interchangeably. However, they represent fundamentally different approaches to utilizing technology, especially when it comes to data governance. Understanding these differences is crucial for organizations looking to implement non-invasive and effective data governance frameworks. This article explores the distinctions between artificial intelligence and augmented intelligence, […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Jun 19 2024
Data Governance Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
The mere mention of “data governance” can send shivers down the spines of executives and employees alike. The thought of implementing stringent rules and procedures for managing data often conjures images of bureaucratic nightmares and stifled innovation. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Contrary to popular belief, the implementation of an effective and […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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May 15 2024
The Risk and Promise of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our world, influencing everything from the way we work to the way we live. It’s like a double-edged sword, offering incredible potential while also posing significant risks. At the heart of this transformation lies data, the fuel that powers AI systems. How we manage this data can determine whether […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Apr 3 2024
All in the Data: A Steward in Need Is a Steward in Deed
You’ve probably heard the expression, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” For this column, I am going to play with that expression to make a point. Instead of a friend, I will refer to friends as data stewards. Instead of indeed (meaning certainly), I am going to insert a space in the word […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Mar 6 2024
Getting the BELT: Empowering Executive Leadership in Data Governance
The expression “Getting the Belt” has several meanings. This phrase most commonly refers to a form of corporal punishment where a belt is used by an authority figure to spank or hit someone as a punitive measure. This form of discipline is now, thankfully, regarded as inappropriate and harmful. Additional meanings signify winning a championship […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Feb 7 2024
Stop Complaining About Your Data – And Do Something About It
Organizations are drowning in a sea of data, facing challenges that range from inconsistent quality to inefficient and ineffective management. It’s easy to complain about the state of your data, but a more productive tactic involves taking actionable steps to address these issues. Enter Non-Invasive Data Governance (NIDG) — a methodology that empowers organizations to […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Jan 3 2024
All in the Data: The Search for Intelligent Life in Your Organization
An invisible, yet universal, force exists that is shaping the very fabric of data-driven decision-making, data practices, and operational data management functionality. This force is “informal governance,” an astral influence orchestrating the celestial bodies of an organization. Acknowledging the existence of this informal governance marks the launch of a profound journey — a quest for […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Dec 6 2023
Where Data Governance Should Live
Determining the optimal administrative placement for a data governance program, and specifically a Non-Invasive Data Governance program, is a pivotal decision that can significantly influence its success. This critical choice often boils down to three primary areas within an organization: a specific business area, information technology (IT), or a shared services part of the organization. […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Nov 15 2023
Game-Changing Data Definitions You Cannot Afford to Ignore
In today’s data-driven world, the terms “data governance” and “data stewardship” have become buzzwords, often thrown around without a clear understanding of their significance. However, defining these terms is not about adding complexity, it’s about establishing clarity and accountability and providing a sense of practicality and pragmatism. As I define it, data governance is “the […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Nov 1 2023
A Halloween Tale That Turns Non-Invasive
Once upon a dark and eerie night, in the heart of the bustling city, there lived a data governance practitioner named Victor. Victor was known for his sharp mind and forward-thinking ideas, but he faced a daunting challenge: convincing his old and set-in-their-ways management that non-invasive data governance was the least scary of alternatives to […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Oct 4 2023
All in the Data: The TDAN.com Tradition
I have published The Data Administration Newsletter (TDAN.com) for a large portion of my professional life. Actually … a large percentage of my life. It has been an honor and privilege to provide thought-provoking data-focused content to an audience as special as the international data management community. More about the community in a minute. It’s […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Sep 6 2023
Data Product Success With Non-Invasive Data Governance
The role of data products has become pivotal, driving organizations towards insightful decision-making and competitive advantage. However, ensuring the achievement of these data products demands the strategic integration of Non-Invasive Data Governance (NIDG). This approach fortifies data quality, security, compliance, and collaboration while expertly navigating user queries and concerns. Central to this cooperation is the […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Aug 16 2023
Legos and Building Non-Invasive Data Governance Brick by Brick
Anyone who knows me well knows that I like to build models with Legos as a diversion from my “data-ly” life. I was never fond of Legos when I was young, but started my Lego excursion when I saw a bright yellow Lego Ford Mustang kit that I had to have. Several years later, I […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Aug 2 2023
Making the Case for Data Enablement (Rather Than Data Governance)
There is a movement in the business and academic worlds to consider relabeling the name of the long-time data discipline of “Data Governance” to “Data Enablement”. Usually, when someone tells me something like this, my first response is to chuckle and nod my head. It takes a sizable formal movement to change the name of […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Jul 19 2023
All in the Data: Becoming a CDO When There is No Role
I work with a lot of organizations that do not (yet) have a person in the role of Chief Data Officer (CDO) or Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO). I also work with a significant number of people in these organizations who have the desire to be elevated into one of these roles. The latter […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Jul 5 2023
Where Data Governance Must Focus in AI Era
In today’s rapidly changing and advancing world of artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, and large language models (LLMs), data has become the lifeblood of innovation. Data fuels algorithms, powers decision-making processes, and shapes the future impact of technology. By formalizing existing levels of accountability (truly a non-invasive approach), respecting people’s privacy, promoting ethical practices, and […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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Jul 5 2023
The Book Look: Non-Invasive Data Governance Strikes Again
From Bob Seiner’s first book, Non-Invasive Data Governance, we learned how to get the benefits of data governance without making major changes to our job roles or functions. We avoid the “command and control” approaches and still have people responsible for the organization’s data without reorgs or undue employee stress. That’s probably why Non-Invasive Data […]


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Author: Steve Hoberman

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Jun 21 2023
Effective Use of Generative-AI
While Generative-AI has undoubtably demonstrated powerful capabilities in generating images, music, and text, it is essential to approach the technology’s potential with a balanced and realistic outlook. The notion that Generative-AI will serve as a universal panacea for all industries is overly optimistic. The true value lies not in the technology itself, but in how […]


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Author: Robert S. Seiner

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