A mini business fable demonstrating the value of Enterprise Architecture.
Sally Skeptical, COO of FinancialGiant, sat in her spacious office adorned with her favorite collection of abstract art framed by panoramic windows displaying the grand cityscape. After a sip from her freshly brewed dark roast, she beckoned Faith Fullview, head of enterprise architecture, to come forward.
Faith stepped up, a folder in her hands and a twinkle of determination in her eyes. Her favorite brooch, a tiny miniature blueprint, gleamed under the office lights, symbolizing her love for structure and order.
Value of Enterprise Architecture
“Now, Faith, I’ve heard this term ‘Enterprise Architecture’ thrown around more times than I had seen business proposals last week, and that’s saying something,” Sally began, “But I’m yet to be convinced about its worth. It sounds like yet another buzzword. So, help me understand. What is it, and why should we invest in it?”
Faith smiled and nodded. “Enterprise architecture, Sally, is like a city planner for a corporate skyscraper. You wouldn’t want to add a new floor without a proper plan, would you? The same is true for our business operations and IT.”
“I see,” said Sally, tapping her fingers on the mahogany desk. “Continue, and spare me the technical jargon.”
“Okay,” Faith chuckled. “How about I tell you a story instead?”
Sally raised an eyebrow but nodded, intrigued.
“Once upon a time, there was a bustling city called Businessville. Its lifeblood was commerce. Skyscrapers housed enterprises, offices were buzzing, and the economy was robust. Yet, in the heart of this city stood the grandest tower of them all – ‘The FinancialGiant,'” Faith started, her tone capturing Sally’s attention.
Sally chuckled, “I like where this is going.”
“In this tower, different departments functioned like individual apartments. Sales were on the 7th floor, Marketing on the 12th, Operations on the 19th, and so on. They all worked well but independently. The left hand often didn’t know what the right hand was doing.”
Sally nodded, “Classic tale of silos. Go on.”
“Exactly,” Faith continued, “Now, a big carnival is coming to town, ‘The MarketOpportunity.’ All departments wanted to make the most of it, but each had plans. Sales wanted to run discount schemes, Marketing was preparing a mega advertising campaign, and Operations were working on increasing production.”
“And let me guess. It was chaotic?” Sally ventured.
“Like a rat race in a maze, Sally!” Faith laughed. “Sales didn’t account for the operational limits, Marketing was advertising products not ready for mass production, and the demand surge blindsided Operations. The results were disastrous. The carnival came, and FinancialGiant fumbled.”
Sally winced, “Ouch.”
“Now, imagine if an architect could plan, coordinate, and oversee all the floors. Someone who could ensure that Sales knew the production limits, Marketing advertised the right products, and Operations were prepared for the demand. This architect would build a blueprint, linking all the floors together, ensuring they work as one well-oiled machine. That architect, Sally, is what Enterprise Architecture does for our business.”
Sally leaned back, stroking her chin thoughtfully. “And the carnival could’ve been a hit, then?”
“Absolutely,” Faith nodded. “And more than just avoiding disasters, a good architect ensures all floors, or departments, are designed to work efficiently and harmoniously, fostering innovation and agility.”
A silent moment passed as Sally absorbed this. “Okay, I see the value. But isn’t this what good management should do?”
Faith smiled, “Yes and no. Managers handle the day-to-day, and architects think ahead. They build the foundation, outline the future, and ensure every new initiative aligns with the overall blueprint. It’s strategic, not tactical.”
Sally raised her cup in a mock toast, “To architects then. But Faith, this ‘building’ we are constructing, it better not turn out like the Tower of Babel.”
They both shared a hearty laugh. Then, as Faith left the room, Sally studied the cityscape again, this time with the eyes of an architect, the skyline of FinancialGiant shining brighter than before.
So, what do you think of how Faith positioned the value of enterprise architecture? How do you describe the value of enterprise architecture to your C-suite executives?