Over recent years, the need to look at technology that drives efficiency and delivers real return on investment has put more focus on how IT works and functions with the rest of business. As IT continues to evolve, integrating more closely with other business units, there has been a growing need for IT professionals to have what are called ‘soft skills’. But, what are they? Essentially soft skills are anything beyond the technical skills needed to perform a job. They fall primarily under the categories of communication and relational skills. Communication skills include active listening, writing, and speaking, while relational skills are adaptability, a respectful attitude, problem-solving, common sense, and the ability to make decisions. However, our experience shows that Architects and IT Professionals need more than just the basics, having the tools and insight in being able to communicate effectively with and influence key stakeholders when making recommendations for change or implementation is of greater need and value.
History has shown that for projects to be successful, Architecture needs to be given a stronger presence at an early stage of the process to keep costs to a minimum, bring projects in on time and most importantly reduce the level of risk. Certainly without this engagement individuals, teams and even whole departments can and do work in silos – leading to a complete breakdown in communication with no common approach or language being used, causing the planning and implantation of such projects to be ineffective and inoperable.
Without doubt, skills in effective communication, value propositioning and stakeholder management are key to engagement and influence. There needs to be strong leadership throughout all of the Architect Communities with everyone preaching similar value messages. But saying ‘Because, Architecture is good for you’ is obviously not enough. Communities must be able to explain the value of Architecture to business leaders in business terms and, this means that the Architect Communities must develop skills in empathy when it comes to the strategic direction of the organisation. Confusing non-technologists with ‘techno-speak’ will only add to the problem and is likely to result in avoidance and misunderstanding. Most business leaders are concerned with only a small number of factors; usually: Risk, cost, time and return on investment, not necessarily in that order. Having an understanding of this and being able to build value propositions in ‘business-speak’ around the concerns of key stakeholders will demonstrate strategic awareness.
To see how Architecting the Enterprise can support you and your organisation with providing this understanding please visit: Soft Skills Masterclass for Enterprise Architects or contact us directly on 0208 1229150.
Steve Pratt for the AtE Team








This year is a year of celebration for the UK. There are so many events to look forward to and a real feeling that this summer is going to be something quite special – one of those once in a lifetime experiences.

