What is an efficient way for a consultant to manage a conflict between two business lines requesting different object fields?

Utilizing the governance committee for resolution is an effective way to manage conflicts between two business lines requesting different object fields. Governance committees are typically composed of representatives from various departments within an organization and are established to oversee the prioritization and management of resources, including data and technology decisions. When conflicts arise, involving this committee allows for a structured and impartial assessment of the competing requests, helping to ensure that any decision made aligns with the overall strategic goals of the organization.

Engaging the governance committee also promotes transparency and collaboration among business lines, enabling stakeholders to voice their needs and concerns while facilitating a discussion that considers the broader impact of any changes. This collaborative approach helps to minimize potential friction between business units by fostering a sense of shared ownership in the decisions made.

While quickly fulfilling the initial request might seem expedient, it may not address the underlying conflict and could lead to resentment among the other business line. Testing the field addition in a sandbox environment is useful for evaluating potential changes but does not aid in resolving the conflict itself. Meeting directly with business line leaders can yield insight but may not have the authority or capacity to reach a consensus that considers the interests of both parties comprehensively. Thus, relying on the governance committee ensures a more strategic and inclusive resolution process.