Sometimes, perception is reality. Consider your Enterprise Architecture (EA) team – respected for their technical savvy, the EA team makes sure IT systems run smoothly so the business can rapidly implement new strategies.
EA teams play a critical role in achieving alignment between technology and the business. Yet, too often, there is an awareness gap that keeps the EA team from their full potential.
According to a recent IDG survey, EA teams evaluate emerging trends from a technology standpoint, not a business perspective. The good news is four out of five IT decision-makers believe their EA team is completely capable of delivering valuable technical subject matter expertise and strategic thinking.
So, how can EA teams prove their business savvy and get a seat at the table? The trick having business-centric conversations about technology.
Here are some interesting statistics from the IDG QuickPulse that clearly indicate there is a gap in perception.
- 56% of senior leadership view the EA team as critical to strategy development – yet 58% of sales managers and 61% of marketing managers are unaware of their role
- EA is viewed as less important in areas that are tied closely to business performance, such as increasing competitive agility, managing risk, and bolstering company growth
- Many EA teams lag in competencies critical for business transformation, such as making business model changes and improving business processes
Survey respondents also explored how the EA team can change internal perceptions to gain entry to business strategy discussions. The survey found EA teams need to:
- Tie IT initiatives closer to business outcomes to prove their value as a key contributor in developing and executing business strategy
- Learn how to communicate and translate business strategy into IT strategy
- Be more collaborative in helping the business make smarter decisions about technology
The most interesting survey finding? When LOB managers have a positive perception of EA’s strategic importance, they view the team as highly capable and important to the business. I recommend watching the on demand webcast Speaking the Language of Business: How Enterprise Architecture Teams Can Earn a Seat at the Table to learn how to bridge this awareness gap and tilt perceptions in your favor.
I’d like to hear from you. How is your EA organization doing when it comes to speaking the language of the business? Share your experience by leaving a comment below.
