In a continuation of recent post themes on Enterprise Architecture and codification of Principles, Patterns and Anti-Patterns…
Norman Schwarzkopf said:
To be a leader you need character and a strategy. If you have to be without one, be without the strategy.
This sums up the Wrong Lead Architect Anti Pattern.
This post uses Anti Pattern template from c2.com as its structural basis.
Anti Pattern Name: [Wrong Lead Architect]
Type: [Organizational]
Problem:
Gartner identified the single biggest EA problem as a chief architect who is an ineffective leader. He or she may understand EA well but has ineffective leadership skills that even a good organisational structure and staffing levels cannot overcome. Gartner recommends that such a lead architect be replaced by someone with strong ‘soft’ skills such as enthusiasm, communication and passion, as well as being well respected and strategically minded.
Context: [there are many factors, typically organisational change, growth and new strategic direction mean the incumbent Lead Architect is no longer able to manage the complexity or pace of change]
Forces: [lack of availability of resource, finding the Right Lead Architect takes time, and issues tend to surface during times of significant change]
Supposed Solution: [almost universally, this Anti Pattern is not tackled, despite being Gartner’s Number 1 Enterprise Architecture pitfall (of 2009)]
Resulting Context: [technical complexity and management failures are blamed for lack of progress or clarity of direction]
Related Anti Patterns:
