The Next Revolution: Information DemocracyThe Next Revolution: Information Democracy

The information revolution involves integrating information and then disseminating it companywide. Here are five steps to put you on the road to information democracy.

Understand the long-term corporate goals. Whether the goal is smarter decision making, shareholder transparency, regulatory compliance, or all three, ensure that the goals are clearly described in terms of the strategic advantages, the metrics that will be used to gauge success, and how information sharing will help to reach these goals.

Change the culture at the top. This is the most important step. Without the complete support of management, the strategic sharing of information may not occur, you'll find obstacles more difficult to overcome, and users will receive mixed messages, providing little impetus to make the necessary process changes. Have a clear and consistent message and ensure that all executive managers repeat it.

Understand the technology. There are several options for integrating data sources, including some very expensive ones that may not deliver greater value than a less-expensive one. The most cost-effective solution is usually one that doesn't require you to gut systems and instead lets you leverage current investments. Such solutions do exist.

Implement in stages. To minimize disruption and gain incremental benefits, integrate systems and implement new processes in stages that offer new insights and demonstrate the value of information democracy.

Validate the results. Constantly communicate the benefits of the ongoing changes throughout the company. Don't assume that users automatically see the long-term value or understand how the changes they're asked to make fit into the long-term plan.