Enterprise Architecture - A Community Model

#Community #Members #Knowledge #Wisdom #Information #brand #identity

A community is a group of people who share something in common. You can define a community by the shared attributes of the people in it and/or by the strength of the connections among them. (Nina Simon).

For Enterprise Architecture (EA) to truly succeed an organization needs everyone involved (members). The Executive team can promote membership and create the energy to fuel the growth of a new generation of Enterprise Architecture built around a community model. Enterprise Architecture can rebrand to become Community Architecture.

We can learn from the past where Enterprise Architecture was often an ivory tower. High performing Enterprise Architecture engages the whole organization. To be successful it requires collaboration, and everyone can contribute.?

Enterprise Architecture is largely a knowledge practice. Modern tools enable a repository of knowledge that is available to everyone, allows content from everyone and delivers insight to drive the vision and mission of the organization.

Enterprise Architecture at its core is a practice to align business strategy to digital services and solutions.

By starting with the 'Why,' companies can create a sense of purpose and direction for their business and inspire others to take action. (Simon Sinek)

There are 4 pillars in creating the community model

1. Executive. The smallest group. Includes a group of senior executives who see the value of EA and can inspire others to take action promoting the community architecture brand.
2. Leaders. The EA Leadership team. A partner group from digital and business front line. Expertise in an EA framework and accountable for delivery of the EA service. Govern the capability, create the community architecture identity.
3. Associates. Subject matter experts from technology, shared services and core business. A business partner network whose knowledge and wisdom are captured and available. Data is the oil of the 21st century and by making it available in a knowledge repository human glue becomes a thing of the past.
4. Members. The biggest group in the community. For any membership to be successful members must want to join. Free membership does not guarantee active members. Members must want to contribute and be part of the community. The communication team and executive team can create massive impact in creation and development of the community architecture brand so that members believe what you believe.

People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. The goal is to do business with those who believe what you believe. (Simon Sinek)