As Enterprise Architects, we often focus on technologies and processes. But there’s a crucial skill rarely discussed: navigating organisational politics when implementing cross-departmental changes.
Key insights we’ve gained
- Build alliances: Identify influential stakeholders early and cultivate relationships.
- Understand motivations: Each department has its own goals. Align your proposals with their interests.
- Tailor communication: Use language that resonates with each group. Finance speaks ROI; IT talks scalability.
- Patience is key: Major changes don’t happen overnight. Be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint.
- Celebrate small wins: Publicise successes to build momentum and credibility.
- Stay neutral: Avoid being seen as favouring one department over others.
Remember, the best technical solution might fail without considering the human element.
How do you handle political challenges in your architectural projects? Share your experiences on Linkedin …