Recently I've had the opportunity to work on several data governance projects with clients. I always find these projects fascinating because of the breadth of data associations collect. It never ceases to amaze me (in a good way!).

One of my big takeaways from these projects is that it's critically important that as an association starting a data governance project, you ask yourself the most important question: "Why are we doing this?" Or to rephrase it, ask "When we're done with this project, what will be improved at the association? What will be better for staff and for our members?"

My sense is that many associations are "doing" data governance because it's the right thing to do, as opposed to doing it because it will help improve their current state. And while it's likely that a data governance project done well will improve things just by virtue of doing it, it's always better to do any project like this with intention.

So if you're thinking about a data governance project (or even in the middle of one now!) be sure to ask yourself "What will be better when we're done with this?" It might make all the difference.