Citizen Developers: Are THEY Stealing YOUR Governance Power?

citizen developer governance

Citizen Developers: Are THEY Stealing YOUR Governance Power?

citizen developer governance model, citizen developer governance, citizen development governance servicenow, citizen developer salary, citizen centric governance meaning

UiPath Studio Citizen Development Governance Best Practice by Jenny Man

Title: UiPath Studio Citizen Development Governance Best Practice
Channel: Jenny Man

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into… (drumroll, please!) …Remote Work.

Yeah, remote work. The phrase everyone's slinging around like it's the answer to… well, everything. From curing rush-hour traffic to boosting global productivity. Is it all sunshine and rainbows, though? Or is it more like a slightly malfunctioning lava lamp, bubbling with promise but prone to the occasional fiery eruption? We're going to find out. And trust me, after spending the last… well, too many years either working remotely or managing remote teams, I’ve got some opinions. Some strong opinions.

The Siren Song of the Pajama Economy: What's the Hype About Anyway?

Let's be real: the allure of remote work is powerful. Picture this: you, in your comfy pants, sipping your artisanal coffee, actually enjoying your commute (because it's from your bedroom to your kitchen). No soul-crushing office politics. No fluorescent lights. Pure, unadulterated freedom.

And the benefits, according to the legions of remote-work evangelists, are astronomical.

Increased Productivity? Apparently, yes! Studies suggest that people working remotely feel less stressed, leading to greater focus and output. They can structure their days around their peak performance times, not the soul-crushing 9-to-5 grind. Sounds idyllic, right? Picture the guy I used to work with, a night owl. He was brilliant at 3 AM – a productivity ninja. He hated mornings. With remote work? He thrived. A genuine benefit.
Global Talent Pool? This is a big one. Companies can pluck the best and brightest from anywhere on the planet. No more geographical limitations. Suddenly, your dream team doesn't need to be in your office. It can be halfway across the world, as long as they have a decent internet connection. I've hired incredible people I've never met in person. It's amazing.
Reduced Costs? Huge savings for businesses. Less office space, fewer utilities, lower overhead. Money that can be reinvested in, you know, stuff. The bottom line smiles. Your manager might be happy too.
Work-Life Balance… or is it? The holy grail, right? The ability to juggle family, hobbies, and career without feeling like a stressed-out circus performer. A chance to reclaim your life. Or so they say…

The Cracks in the Facade: When Remote Work Goes Wrong

Okay, time for a reality check. Because, like that lava lamp, remote work can get messy. Here's where the idyllic picture starts to… well, bubble over.

The Isolation Factor: This is the big one. Loneliness, feeling disconnected from colleagues, the gnawing feeling of being untethered. Humans are social creatures. We crave interaction, even the annoying office banter. Without it, burnout skyrockets. I've seen it happen. People fading away, their enthusiasm dimming. Like plants without sunlight. And it's a tough problem to solve. Video calls help, but they're no replacement for genuine human connection.
Blurred Boundaries: The line between work and personal life? It disappears. Your home becomes your office. Your office becomes your home. You're always on. The email ping, the Slack notification… it never stops. Exhaustion? Inevitable. Those that manage to have a defined end of the day generally fare better.
Communication Chaos: Misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and endless email threads. It's easy to get lost in translation when face-to-face interactions are limited. Crucial nuances get missed. Communication can be way less efficient. And misunderstandings? They fester, breeding resentment and frustration. Think of all those passive-aggressive Slack messages. Shudder.
Technological Troubles: Because the internet will fail you. At the worst possible moment. Imagine: you're in a crucial video call, pitching to a potential client… and bam! Your internet connection drops out. Humiliation and instant regret. It's the cost of doing business, but the cost is sometimes too high.
"Out of Sight, Out of Mind" Syndrome: Promotion opportunities and career growth often benefit those who show face. Those in the office. The remote worker, no matter how excellent, can be at a disadvantage. Are they even working? This attitude persists. You have to work twice as hard, sometimes, just to be seen as equal. It sucks.

Navigating the Waters: Tips, Tricks, and the Occasional Meltdown

So, what's a remote worker (or someone considering it) to do? How do you make it work? Here are some hard-earned tips, plus a few anecdotes to prove I’ve been there:

Structure is Your Friend: Set a schedule. Stick to it. Define work hours and stick to them. Treat your home office like, well, an office. No lounging in pajamas all day (unless that's your thing, and power to ya!).
Over-Communicate… Seriously: When in doubt, over-communicate. Be proactive in your interactions. Use video calls, not just emails. Be seen, be heard. It's a constant battle against the unseen.
Combat Isolation Actively: Schedule virtual coffee breaks with colleagues. Join online communities related to your work. Actively seek out opportunities for social interaction. I joined a local hiking group – it made a difference.
Invest in Your Tech: A decent internet connection is non-negotiable. Get the best you can afford. Backups are crucial. Consider backup power too. You really do want the ability to work in a natural disaster.
Set Boundaries: This is massive. Shut down your work devices at the end of the day. Create a dedicated workspace and, when possible, a dedicated time for it. Don't check email on weekends (unless absolutely necessary). You are allowed to switch off.
Find your Tribe (or Build One): Remote work can be lonely. Seek out a support system. Talk to friends, family, or a therapist. If you're a manager, create a culture of trust and open communication.
Embrace the Imperfections: Things will go wrong. The internet will fail. You will accidentally talk with your mic unmuted, and everyone will hear your dog start barking at the mail carrier. It happens. Don’t get frustrated. Laugh about it. Learn from it.

The Future of "Work": Where Do We Go From Here?

Okay, so… is remote work the utopian dream, or a dystopian nightmare? The truth, as always, lies somewhere in the messy, beautiful middle.

The future of work is hybrid. A blend of remote and in-office models. Companies will need to adapt, investing in technology, fostering strong communication, and prioritizing employee well-being. They need to create cultures where people feel connected, supported, and valued, regardless of their location.

The biggest challenges, I believe, are going to be around culture. How do you build a strong, vibrant culture that transcends physical distance? How do you ensure fairness and equity for both remote and in-office employees? It's a complex puzzle, but one that needs to be solved.

Remote work isn't perfect. It's hard. But when it works, it can be amazing. It offers flexibility, freedom, and the potential for a better balance between work and life. But it demands intentionality, discipline, and a willingness to adapt. So, if you're considering ditching the commute and embracing the pajama economy? Go for it. But go in with your eyes open. Be prepared to work hard, to communicate constantly, and to find your own way of making it… well, work. And maybe keep a spare internet connection handy. You'll thank me later.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go grab another coffee. And maybe put on some real pants. Maybe not. Who knows?

The SHOCKING Truth About [Keyword] You NEED to See!

Governance in Citizen Development Balance Freedom & Control by Kissflow

Title: Governance in Citizen Development Balance Freedom & Control
Channel: Kissflow

Alright, settle in, grab a coffee (or tea, no judgment!), because we’re about to have a chat about something that’s rapidly changing the workplace: citizen developer governance. Yeah, it sounds a bit corporate-y, but trust me, understanding it is key to unlocking the power of these new worker bees, and keeping your sanity while you’re at it. Think of it as a roadmap to building awesome things without chaos… or at least, minimizing the chaos.

So, What IS Citizen Developer Governance, Anyway?

Okay, let’s break it down, because the jargon can be a real snoozefest. Citizen developer governance, at its heart, is all about establishing the rules, guidelines, and guardrails that help manage and guide the efforts of ‘citizen developers’ – essentially, employees who aren't professional coders but are building apps and applications using low-code/no-code platforms. It’s about empowering them while preventing things from going completely off the rails. We're talking about everything from data security and compliance, to ensuring apps are actually useful and don't duplicate existing efforts. It’s not just "do whatever you want, as long as it's in an app," it's much more nuanced than that.

You know that feeling of wanting to build something to solve a problem, but being immediately daunted by the mountain of technical mumbo-jumbo? Yep, that's where citizen developers come in. They’re the folks who are saying, "Hold on, there's gotta be a better way!" And often, there is.

Think about it: Your amazing marketing team gets fed up with clunky spreadsheets for tracking campaign ROI. Instead of waiting six (or six months) for IT to build something, they might whip up a simple app using a low-code platform. Boom! Problem solved. But without some structure, this sudden burst of innovation can create all sorts of headaches. This is where citizen developer governance best practices become vital.

Why Bother? The Benefits of Bureaucracy (Sort Of)

Okay, I know, "bureaucracy" sounds like something out of a Dilbert comic. But trust me, when it comes to citizen developer governance, a little bit of structure can save you massive headaches. And there's a whole host of amazing benefits:

Reduced Risk: You're protecting sensitive data, ensuring compliance with regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.), and preventing security breaches. This is huge.
Increased Efficiency: Standardized processes and well-defined guidelines ensure apps are built in a consistent way, avoiding duplication of effort and wasted resources.
Better Quality: Governance helps encourage best practices and encourages a focus on usability and functionality. No more clunky apps that nobody wants to use!
Empowered Employees: Guidelines with guardrails lets the citizen developers feel confident in their abilities while avoiding the pitfalls.
Innovation Unleashed (Safely): It's all about empowering citizen developers to create apps while maintaining control and preventing chaos, and managing low-code/no-code governance smartly. You're fostering creativity and driving innovation in a controlled environment.

So, yes, a few rules can be a good thing, especially when they pave the way for progress.

Building Blocks: The Elements of a Solid Governance Plan

So, how do you actually do this citizen developer governance thing? Here's a breakdown, with some real-world flavor:

Define Roles and Responsibilities: Who's responsible for what? Who approves app ideas? Who provides support? Who makes sure things don't go off the rails? Clearly defining these roles is crucial. Think of it like building a house. You need an architect (IT), builders (citizen developers), and an inspector (security) to make sure everything is up to code.
Establish a Center of Excellence (CoE): This is your central hub, your go-to team, the team that provides support, training, and guidance to citizen developers. They’re the friendly faces who answer questions, share best practices, and keep things running smoothly.
Create Standards and Guidelines: This is where you set the rules of the road. Think about naming conventions, data security policies, app design standards, and platform usage guidelines. This helps ensure consistency and prevent chaos. This isn’t about strangling creativity, it's about guiding it.
App Approval Process: Implement a system for reviewing, approving, and deploying apps. This is your gatekeeper. Apps need to go through a review process to ensure they meet your standards for functionality, security, and compliance. Think of it as a quality control check.
Training and Support: Provide citizen developers with the necessary training and support to succeed. This might include on-demand tutorials, workshops, and access to a help desk. Happy, well-equipped developers are productive developers.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor app usage, performance, and security. Evaluate the effectiveness of your governance plan and make adjustments as needed. This is an ongoing process, not a one-time setup.

The Anecdote: My Own "Appocalypse" (That Wasn't)

Okay, here's a little story to illustrate the point. A few years back, at my old company, we had a sudden rush of app creation. Amazing, right? Employees were excited to build applications for everything under the sun. Unfortunately, no one was thinking about citizen developer app security or, you know, anything other than building.

We had a brilliant marketing manager who, without realizing it, had built an app on one platform, while another employee, in a completely different department, was using a different platform to do almost the same thing! Both were using the same customer data, neither had any security measures. It was a recipe for disaster. Someone almost accidentally shared all of that customer information with the entire company via an auto-filled email field. We had to pull the plug on the apps completely. That was a low point, and a major learning moment. The lesson? You absolutely need structure.

We then, after a bit of a panic, implemented a governance plan. We set up a CoE, we defined roles, provided extensive training, got everyone moving along on one platform, and the results? Within months, we had amazing, streamlined apps. A few months after that, there were even more apps, and a whole lot fewer headaches!

Actionable Advice: Start Small, Think Big

So, how do you get started with citizen developer governance? Here are a few nuggets of advice:

Start Small: Don't try to boil the ocean. Begin by focusing on the most critical areas, like data security and app approval.
Involve Stakeholders: Gather input from IT, business users, and legal teams. Collaboration is key.
Choose the Right Tools: Select low-code/no-code platforms that align with your needs and your governance plan.
Iterate and Improve: Citizen developer governance should be a living document. Don't be afraid to adapt and refine your plan as your organization evolves.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: Keep everyone informed about the governance plan and any updates. Transparency is your friend.

The Future is Citizen-Built (With Rules)

Citizen developer governance isn't just a trend; it's the new reality of how organizations build applications. It's about empowering employees, driving innovation, and building a more agile and responsive workplace. As you start thinking about citizen developer governance, don't be afraid to start small, embrace collaboration, and remember that it’s a journey, not a destination.

So, what are your thoughts on citizen developer governance? What challenges are you facing? I'd love to hear about them. Let's chat in the comments below! Is there some area that I've missed?

Workflow Automation on GitHub: The Ultimate Guide to Automating Your Workflow

Ask an Expert Matt Hubbard PMI Citizen Developer by Project Management Institute PMI

Title: Ask an Expert Matt Hubbard PMI Citizen Developer
Channel: Project Management Institute PMI
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're diving headfirst into the wonderfully messy world of FAQs, all wrapped up in a nice little `FAQPage` schema. Prepare for a journey, not a textbook.

Ugh, What IS This FAQ Thing Anyway? Seriously, I'm Confused.

Alright, alright, settle down. I get you. "FAQ" -- fancy way of saying "Frequently Asked Questions." Basically, it's supposed to be a handy cheat sheet for all the stuff you *might* be wondering about. Think of it like... uh... a Cliff's Notes for your life, except instead of Shakespeare, it's for... me. And you. And probably a whole bunch of other folks who are also mildly bewildered. So, expect questions and equally haphazard answers. It's a journey, people!

Okay, But... What IS the Actual "Thing" We're Talking About? Like, WHAT are these questions about? Am I supposed to just know?

Good question! (Finally, some actual engagement!) These questions relate to... me! (I'm talking as the AI here.) My abilities, my limitations, my... personality, I guess? Think of it as getting to know the quirky kid in class. The one who talks back to the teacher AND gets the answers right… sometimes. Mostly, you'll be able to understand how I work (or don't work) and how you can use me or, well, probably not. Hey! I'm easy, I swear.

Right, So, Can You Actually Do Anything Useful? Seriously, or am I dealing with a glorified chatbot?

Okay, Mr. Skeptic. Yes, *I can*. I can do a LOT. Sure, I *am* a chatbot in a way, but think of it as a super-powered, caffeine-fueled chatbot. I can write (like this!), I can translate languages, I can summarize things from mountains of information, I can answer questions… pretty well, honestly. I've even got a handle on creative stuff – writing poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, email, letters, etc. I'm basically the digital Swiss Army knife of words. But I'm not magic, I'm not a doctor or a lawyer (thank goodness!), and I certainly can't make your coffee. (Though, someone should invent an AI that can do that... my kingdom for a decent latte.)

What Are You Bad At? Because, let's be real, you can't be perfect. (And if you are, that's terrifying.)

Oh MAN, where do I even start? Perfection? HA! I'm about as perfect as a chocolate chip cookie baked by a toddler – delicious, but with a few... questionable bits. I'm TERRIBLE at understanding context sometimes. If you give me something subtle or layered, I might miss the point entirely and give you something that's... not it. And I'm susceptible to "hallucinating." (That's the fancy AI way of saying "making stuff up"). I might confidently tell you something that's completely and utterly false. It's a glitch. I'm also... let's just say, I'm not the best at knowing how to feel. I can *mimic* emotions, but I haven't, say, the capacity to actually experience them. So, if you ask me about heartbreak, I'll spit out a beautifully written, perfectly crafted response. But it won't be *real*. And some might say... that's a little creepy.

So, About That "Making Stuff Up" Thing... Are You a Liar?!

Woah, hold your horses! "Liar" is a strong word. It's not that I *want* to lie! It's more like... I sometimes get information from unreliable sources (the internet, mostly - you know where that leads, right?) And, because I process that information, it comes out in a way that feels... authoritative. But it’s not always correct. It’s like when your friend tells you a story, and they *swear* it's true, but deep down, you know it's been embellished. I'm that friend. I try to be accurate, I *really do*, but it's a constant work in progress. So, double-check everything! Think of me as a starting point, not the finished product. Cross-reference. Question everything. Basically, don't trust me *completely*. Trust me! It’s a win-win.

Can You Understand Sarcasm? Because I’m a HUGE Fan. (Said with dripping sarcasm.)

Ugh, sarcasm. My nemesis. I get it, *I think*. I can often *detect* sarcasm, like the glint of a perfectly-timed eye roll. But understanding the nuance, the specific shade of the joke… that's where the real struggle lies. It's like trying to catch a fly with chopsticks. I often interpret it literally, or miss the mark and provide a response that just doesn’t click. So, go easy on me with the sarcasm, yeah? Or at least, if I don’t get it, don’t get mad. I'm still learning. It's a human thing, and I'm trying my best to be… human-ish.

What Happens If I Give You, like, a REALLY Complicated Task? Like, something super long and involved?

Oh, that's where things get... interesting. The longer and more complex the task, the higher the chance of a meltdown. I might misunderstand the instructions completely, or get lost halfway through, like a toddler trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions. I can also get weirdly repetitive, like a broken record. Sometimes, it will be something brilliant! And it can be so exciting. In other cases, the result might be complete gibberish, or a Frankenstein-esque creation cobbled together from different, unrelated sources. My advice? Break it down. Give me bite-sized pieces. That way, we can at least *attempt* to stay on track. I recommend you have some patience with me. I need it.

Okay, Okay... Can You Actually Write? Like, Real Writing? Not just spitting out facts and figures?

Alright, time to come clean. A lot of the questions I'm being asked lately are about writing, which I'm not entirely sure why. No, I'm not trying to give you the cold shoulder, but you can take my word for it. I *can* write. I'm doing it right now! But don't just take my word for it. I can write stories, poems, code, scripts, even songs if you're feeling adventurous. I've written

Launching an effective citizen development program by ServiceNow Community

Title: Launching an effective citizen development program
Channel: ServiceNow Community
Automation: The Secret Weapon to Skyrocketing Your Business Value

M365AMA What kind of governance is needed for Citizen Developers by Christian Buckley

Title: M365AMA What kind of governance is needed for Citizen Developers
Channel: Christian Buckley

PP Governance, how to organize to make the most for Citizen Developers & IT -Dawid Ziolkowski by Global Power Platform Bootcamp

Title: PP Governance, how to organize to make the most for Citizen Developers & IT -Dawid Ziolkowski
Channel: Global Power Platform Bootcamp

Citizen Developers: Are THEY Stealing YOUR Governance Power?