09.06.11
Holidays are for Fun
[Cartoon]
Holidays are a distraction for Enterprise Architects who are always thinking about how to improve their organization. They work 24 / 7. When they are awake, they are consciously working through issues. When they are asleep, their sub-conscious takes over and works on pressing problems.
Understanding and visualizing an entire enterprise is an awesome ability. The ability is like a feeling of contentment when all the parts of a giant machine are working together and a feeling of discontentment when they are not. It is as though something deep down is screaming out when something is wrong.
When an automobile engine makes an unusual sound, the sound is usually an indication of a problem. An expert mechanic can often diagnose the problem just by listening. Other times the source of the sound is not so easily identified.
An Enterprise Architect is like the expert automobile mechanic. They can usually diagnose problems from the view they have of the entire enterprise ecosystem. But, sometimes they are not able to quickly diagnose the problem. These are the problems that keep their brains busy. Consciously and unconsciously they work to solve the problem.
Often Enterprise Architects wake in the morning with new revelations. While they were sleeping their sub-conscious mind worked on the problem and by morning revealed a solution to their consciousness. On those days, the Enterprise Architect can’t wait to get to the office to verify their new idea.
Holidays and other activities can be restful when they require the full attention of the Enterprise Architect. For me, I found taking my sailboat out to be very restful. Getting the boat in full sail and constantly paying attention to the wind and currents would push everything else out of my thoughts.
Some can get their rest by playing golf, riding a motorcycle, or just reading a non-business oriented book. These activities are important to the Enterprise Architect to get some rest. They know that the enterprise architecture only exists in their head. If they do not have some distraction, this thing in their head will be constantly demanding attention.
Organizations that have Enterprise Architects that can visualize in their minds the business ecosystem are very fortunate. These organizations have true Enterprise Architects. These individuals are dedicated to keeping the organization working at its optimum.
Realizing that Enterprise Architects are so committed, don’t be surprised if their holidays and vacations are filled with enormous activity requiring their full mental attention. Some may get their rest by taking on dangerous activities. Others, like me, are quite happy to just go sailing.
The Enterprise Architects can see what is coming and are already preparing. They know that this will be their time. Corporations will be able to completely focus on their business, and automation will be viewed as an agile enabler. Automation will finally become the self-service contributor that the Corporate Office has always wanted it to be. –Enterprise Architects Masters of the Unseen City
Closing the Business / IT gap.
