The Dialogue That’s Missing from Every SOP

This time, I want to talk about one of the most powerful tools we have – and the one you’ll never find in any procedure or SOP: 🗣️ Dialogue.

Whenever we discuss data integrity, I often hear things like: – “They just don’t get it.” – “Wait, what does the regulation actually say?” – “You don’t understand, they can’t even sign their name at the bottom of the page.” – “What’s wrong with the audit trail? Everything’s documented – why are they complaining again?”

But rarely do we hear someone say:

“They don’t raise issues – and how can we deal with that?”

So here’s my point: Data Integrity is not just a policy – it’s a culture. And culture cannot be implemented without conversation.

A conversation that allows people to understand, to challenge, to refine – and sometimes to ask: is it really black or white?

Even when procedures are crystal clear, reality always brings new interpretations, challenges, and “what if…” moments. Only by talking, questioning, and listening can we create practices that truly last.

🧠 And on the day when everything runs by machines? There will still be a human – someone who must understand what they see, what they approve, and most importantly, raise the issues the system can’t.

Because a culture of Data Integrity begins with conversation. Not in software, not in Excel – but in continuous, professional, human dialogue.

So how does it work in your organization? When was the last time your team sat together and asked: What are our real data challenges – and how do we solve them together?

And since we’re already talking... how’s your ping-pong game? 🏓