Recently, someone asked my opinion on what I felt to be the guiding principles for an effective SharePoint Governance Workshop? In my  humble opinion, there really are no incredible secrets that stand out above and beyond the obvious:

·     Knowledge: Know the product and how it applies to every aspect of the customer --- Know SharePoint and all the key features that may be utilized by a client or discussed during a Governance Interview Session. Otherwise, you may be caught in an akward position. So, study up! :-)

·     Effectiveness: Engage and Understand your audience --- No rocket science here, you should have learned how to do this by now.

·     Accountability:  Prepare your audience appropriately for what's expected of them --- Understand the roles of those individuals in your  interview sessions what their influence and impact they carry within their department/organization.

·     Purpose and Outcome: Ask the right questions and have the ability to disseminate information into meaningful and relevant governance policies --- Once again, no rocket science here... just apply all the skills and experience that has made you a great Engagement Manager.

Perhaps, there may be one that is not included in the list above that I have chosen to call a bit more attention to, that of which has become cornerstone of our Governance Engagements: ADAPTATION. As we have successfully completed countless Governance Workshops across many verticals with clients of varied cultures, size, experience and knowledge base, we have exercised our ability to educate and adapt ourselves to produce the most value. In many cases, the development and delivery of a Governance Package is only the beginning for this type of engagement. Following this, you'll find yourself as a supporting party to the ongoing governance eco-system you have helped define within the organization. Allowing yourself to follow methods of adaptation, understanding how to best educate and be educated by your client, will ensure the long-term success of any Governance Package you produce. After all, both your client and SharePoint will continue to adapt and evolve long into the future. You and your Governance Plan should be able to do the same.   

In an upcoming series on Governance Workshops, I will share thoughts on how these principles are applied to specific types of Workshops while also sharing various challenges and successes we have experienced to help guide you in your Governance Efforts.