Even the best-designed data governance framework cannot succeed without strong communication and organizational buy-in. In this course, Dr. Anne Marie Smith, PhD. explains how data stewards serve as communicators, connectors, and advocates—helping colleagues understand the purpose, value, and expectations of stewardship. 

You’ll explore the difference between communication (sharing information) and socialization (building understanding, alignment, and ongoing support) and learn why both are essential for governance success. The course provides best practices for explaining stewardship concepts, handling resistance, collaborating across business units, and promoting governance activities in ways that resonate with the organization. 

Learners gain practical tools to help them engage stakeholders more effectively and ensure stewardship becomes a shared responsibility, not just a job title. 

Course Highlights 

• Clear explanation of communication vs. socialization in governance 
• Best practices for steward-led messaging and stakeholder engagement 
• Techniques for promoting stewardship programs and responsibilities 
• How to address resistance, confusion, or low engagement 
• Real-world examples of effective communication within governance programs 

Pricing and Credits 

• Learning Plan Price: $349 
• Individual Course Price: $99 
• Course CEUs: 1.5 hours 
• Learning Plan CEUs: 9.0 hours 

By the End of This Course, You’ll Be Able To: 

• Differentiate between communication and socialization in a governance context 
• Apply effective communication strategies for promoting stewardship 
• Address common challenges in socializing governance programs and steward roles 
• Engage stakeholders in ways that strengthen organizational understanding and support 

Why Take This Course? 

Communication is one of the most important, and often overlooked, skills for data stewards. This course helps learners communicate with clarity, manage expectations, and build the relationships needed to make stewardship successful across the enterprise. 

Is This Course Right for You or Your Team? 

This course is ideal for: 

• Data stewards who need to communicate governance concepts to business and technical audiences 
• Teams launching or expanding a stewardship program 
• Business users responsible for championing governance initiatives 
• Anyone seeking to improve stakeholder engagement within data programs 

No technical background is required. 

This Course Includes: 

• A 45-minute educational training video 
• A 14-question content-based practice exam 
• “Check for Understanding” quizzes after each section 
• Downloadable presentation slides 
• Self-paced, on-demand access with progress tracking 
• Unlimited course access