How can you contribute to a business architecture governance board?

1 Understand the governance framework

The first step to contributing to a business architecture governance board is to understand the governance framework that the board operates within. This framework defines the scope, objectives, principles, roles, and responsibilities of the board and its members, as well as the procedures, tools, and metrics for governance activities. You should familiarize yourself with the governance framework and its documentation, and identify how your role and work relate to it. You should also understand the expectations and benefits of participating in the governance process, and how it can help you improve your business architecture practice and outcomes.

2 Communicate and collaborate effectively

The second step to contributing to a business architecture governance board is to communicate and collaborate effectively with the board and its members. Communication and collaboration are essential for building trust, understanding, and alignment among the stakeholders involved in the governance process. You should communicate clearly and regularly with the board about your business architecture work, challenges, and achievements, and seek feedback and guidance from them. You should also collaborate with other board members and share your insights, ideas, and best practices with them. You should respect the diversity of perspectives and opinions on the board, and strive to find common ground and solutions.

3 Follow the governance standards and policies

The third step to contributing to a business architecture governance board is to follow the governance standards and policies that the board establishes and enforces. These standards and policies are designed to ensure that the business architecture is consistent, coherent, and compliant with the organizational strategy, vision, and values. You should adhere to the standards and policies for creating, updating, and managing your business architecture artifacts, such as models, diagrams, views, and documents. You should also use the tools and methods that the board recommends or mandates for business architecture development and analysis. You should follow the governance procedures for submitting, reviewing, approving, and implementing your business architecture changes and initiatives.

4 Contribute to the governance improvement

The fourth step to contributing to a business architecture governance board is to contribute to the governance improvement. Governance improvement is the process of evaluating, measuring, and enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the governance process and its outcomes. You should participate in the governance improvement activities, such as audits, surveys, assessments, and feedback sessions. You should provide honest and constructive feedback on the governance process and its impact on your business architecture work and value. You should also suggest and implement improvements to the governance framework, standards, policies, tools, and methods, based on your experience and knowledge.

5 Demonstrate your value and impact

The fifth step to contributing to a business architecture governance board is to demonstrate your value and impact as a business architect. Governance is not only a way to ensure quality and consistency, but also a way to showcase and communicate the value and impact of business architecture to the organization and its stakeholders. You should demonstrate your value and impact by delivering business architecture solutions that align with and support the organizational goals, objectives, and priorities. You should also measure and report on the outcomes and benefits of your business architecture work, such as improved performance, efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction. You should highlight how your business architecture work contributes to the governance objectives and principles, and how it enables and enhances the organizational capabilities and maturity.

6 Learn and grow continuously

The sixth and final step to contributing to a business architecture governance board is to learn and grow continuously as a business architect. Governance is not only a process, but also an opportunity to learn and grow from the feedback, guidance, and collaboration that the board provides. You should learn and grow continuously by seeking and applying the feedback and guidance that the board gives you on your business architecture work and skills. You should also learn and grow continuously by collaborating with and learning from other board members and their business architecture experiences and expertise. You should seek and pursue opportunities to expand your business architecture knowledge, skills, and competencies, and to advance your career and reputation as a business architect.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?