How Would Jesus Do Data Governance (part 2)

First of all, as I mentioned last time, I am NOT comparing data governance to the Salvation of humanity--I am simply examining methods in light of the fact that both ideas resist description, can't be marketed and are not for sale.

So, I've got an idea that will make the lives of many easier to get through, make the company more profitable, reduce the level of risk involved in making use of information technology, and improve the ability to communicate. My problem is that the idea is based on something I can't describe. I can provide plenty of examples but that only seems to increase the confusion. So far I'm in good company. We've all been exposed to the parables of Jesus. He used them as everyday examples to shed light on some seriously abstract concepts. His disciples scratched their heads and asked each other, "What did he mean by that?" Two thousand years later, they're still being explained to us on Sunday mornings around the world.

Fortunately my idea has no expiration date. There is no competition to put the idea across--no race to the finish. The pain will continue until a critical mass of enlightenment is achieved. Enlightenment is essential because without it all we'll ever have is a collection of examples and stories that, to the average person, seem completely disconnected. Because people like for things to make sense and to be predictable, this disconnectedness leads to alienation.

When Jesus stuck to his idea, looking for better examples, better stories, he found himself on the outside. He was a different sort, something of a kook, but certainly not threatening. He had his small following who were largely content to be associated with him for the limited notoriety that the association provided. They knew him, liked him, respected him. The powers-that-be were not threatened and left him free to try to get his idea across.

Up to this point we have already made us of his methods and find ourselves in exactly the same position. We are tolerated and even receive minimal support from those who hear that others are doing it and seem to derive some non-quantifiable benefit. Unfortunately, as a band of disciples we lack much. We either lack a common cultural foundation or we ignore it. perhaps Jesus' disciples were fortunate in that they weren't constantly bombarded with "fresh, new takes" on their central idea. They were able (forced to) discuss the examples and stories among themselves. This process no doubt kept them cohesive as a group and, in the end was the springboard that helped them to launch the Idea out into the world.