Step up to get a seat at the table: learning to speak the same language as legal, IT, and executive management is the first step toward being included in strategic discussions around information governance. ......

• Author: Datskovsky, Galina
• Position: Information Technology

Step up to get a seat at the table: learning to speak the same language as legal, IT, and executive management is the first step toward being included in strategic discussions around information governance. The Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles[R] provide a common vocabulary for overcoming the language barrier, allowing records and information management professionals to prove their relevance and value to their organization--and, finally, to get a "seat at the table."

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There are perhaps only a few readers who understand what appears above in Russian. So, let's try again--this time in English: It is said that the longest journey begins with a single step. I hope this article will encourage you take that first step in your journey toward proving your relevance and value to your organization.

The reason I began my article in Russian is not to show off my linguistic skills, but to illustrate a point: to truly understand each other, we must have a common language. The same is true in our organizations. Even though everyone may speak English, the words may mean something totally different for those in IT, legal, and the C-level suite. So, we don't understand each other. We don't get the full picture. We miss out.

Take the First Step

Creating a common language is an active process. So many times we hear the sounds that are made--we hear the words being formed and believe magically that we'll start to understand, but that kind of magical thinking doesn't work. Learning is an active process. We must take the first step and learn the languages of our counterparts and create a common way of communication. If we are not an active seeker of education, there is a very real danger that the conversation will pass us by.

A story is told of an old man who lives in a flood zone. A hurricane hits the area and the government suggests evacuation. He, of course, refuses to go. He sits on the front steps of his house in the now-empty evacuated neighborhood. A police car drives by, and the officers offer him a ride. He says, "My higher power will take care of me."

The waters begin to rise. Now he is sitting on the small balcony on the second floor of his house. The lower part of the house is completely flooded. A police boat comes by and offers him a ride. He refuses and says his higher power will take care of him.

A few hours later he is sitting on the roof of his house, and the rest of the house is submerged. A rescue helicopter comes by to offer him a lift. He says no, his higher power will take care of him. Naturally, he drowns. He comes before his higher power and says, "I am so disappointed. I believed in you, and you let me down." His higher power says, "Listen; I sent you a car, a boat, and a helicopter; all you had to do was take the first step."

You've taken a good step in seeking out professional resources, like this magazine, to help you grow. By reading, participating in web seminars, taking online courses, and networking with other professionals, you have the opportunity to learn the languages you need to keep your organization moving forward.

Assert Yourself as an Expert

You are an expert within your organization, but do your colleagues truly know that? Do they realize the expertise and the perspective you bring to the table?

Often the answer is "no," and the reasons too often fall into two categories: First, is the reason discussed above--the lack of a common language among your counterparts and the C-suite. Second, you may not be taking an active role in letting your...