The Data Model Resource Book, Volume 3: Universal Patterns for Data Modeling

Silverston c10.tex V2 - 11/21/2008 3:20am Page 580

580 Chapter 10 ■ Socializing the Patterns

physical database designs. The core reason was that using the common patterns

and models would have caused a lot more data conversion work and, from their

perspective, would have created a project risk. Thus, they actually lost time

on the project because they did extra work to use the patterns in the analysis

phase just to accommodate the enterprise data team, even though they didn’t

use them in the physical implementation. Perhaps if another tack had been

taken where both parties looked at the data conversion issue and investigated

where and how the patterns could be used in conjunction with data conv ersion

needs, then some of the patterns could have been implemented. In general and

in most situations we recommend stri king an appropriate balance between

strict adherence to these patterns and an ‘anarchy’ perspective, where there is

no accountability at all for using common patterns.

NOTE

We have worked in many different organizations around the world, and

you should also be aware of the cultural differences that may exist when it comes

to managing conflict. William Ury’s five steps can be applied anywhere, but be

aware that the ‘tone’ of how you use the five steps may need to be modified

depending on where and with whom you are working. In other words, dealing with

conflict in Dallas, Texas, versus dealing ...