Dear Bob ... How do I stop executives from trying to bypass our governance process? I feel like the kid in the Netherlands trying to plug the dike - every time I stick my thumb in a leak, another one opens up. We've tried to make this as unobtrusive a process as possible. We have an ultra-lightweight version for quick fixes, a quick-and-easy process for small enhancements, and two separate project processes, one Dear Bob …How do I stop executives from trying to bypass our governance process? I feel like the kid in the Netherlands trying to plug the dike – every time I stick my thumb in a leak, another one opens up.We’ve tried to make this as unobtrusive a process as possible. We have an ultra-lightweight version for quick fixes, a quick-and-easy process for small enhancements, and two separate project processes, one for smaller projects that’s pretty simple and another for big efforts that does require significant time and attention … as it should. But even with all of this I had another one trying to bypass it all, and when I asked what the issue was, his complaint was that he shouldn’t have to go through an approval process at all – he should be able to just ask and get what he wants.What can I do?– Dutch Dear Dutch …Have you tried smacking up upside the back of the head while yelling, “Wassamatta you?”As Wendell Phillips once said, eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. You don’t get to stop fighting this battle, because for those trying to bypass the process there’s no negative consequence for trying, but there is a possible reward. Here are two steps you can take that might help. They won’t eliminate the problem, but they might cut down on it a bit:1. Have a private conversation with each individual each time it happens, asking for their help in making the governance process work. Explain, patiently, why it’s necessary, empathize with their frustration, ask for their ideas in how to make it simpler, but be absolutely firm about the necessity for having a process, since you have limited resources and the requester and his/her peers have an unlimited ability to generate requests.2. Hold a meeting with everyone authorized to make requests. Ask how many in the room think having a governance process is the wrong way to go – that they should be able to simply make requests and IT automatically takes care of them. If a bunch of hands go up, say, “Terrific. Here’s what I need from you – a memo to the CEO supporting IT’s hiring another xxx developers,” where xxx is the additional staff you need to address the request volume you’d anticipate in the absence of a governance process. Tell them that as soon as the CEO has their memos and approves your new hires, and as soon as you’re able to recruit them all and get them trained in, you’ll eliminate governance and accept any and all requests. If a bunch of hands don’t go up, say something like this: “I’m a bit puzzled. I’ve talked to quite a few of you privately, and you’ve complained that you shouldn’t have to go through the process we’ve established. This is your opportunity to help us figure out an alternative. Any takers? If not, I’d like to thank you in advance for your support, and I’d like to ask your help in making sure everyone knows how to submit requests that are structured in a way that makes sense.”– Bob Technology Industry