The Governance Games

Ralph Webster
June 28, 2024

Welcome to Issue 26!

Greetings, strategists and rule-makers! This edition of "Enterprise Architecture: The Struggle is Real" explores the intricate and often amusing world of establishing governance structures within enterprise architecture. Ready your gavels and policy books—it's game time!

The Main Story: Playing the Governance Game

Picture governance in enterprise architecture as a board game. Each player (department) moves pieces (projects and initiatives) across the board (the organization), trying to navigate a maze of compliance, standards, and best practices. Sometimes you roll a six and advance smoothly, other times you land on a square that sends you back to the drawing room!

TOGAF to the Rescue (Again)

Within TOGAF’s Architecture Development Method (ADM), Governance Frameworks are like the rulebooks that guide each player’s moves. These frameworks help ensure that everyone plays by the same rules, aiming for alignment and coherence across the enterprise.

The Educational Twist: Best Practices for Effective Governance

Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Ensure everyone knows their part in the governance process to avoid overlaps and gaps.
Establish Transparent Processes: Keep decision-making transparent to build trust and accountability.
Regularly Review and Adapt Rules: As the business evolves, so should your governance structures, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

Humor in Diagrams

Have you played the governance game in your organization? What are your most memorable ‘game’ moments? Share your stories and tips for navigating the governance maze for a chance to be featured!

Wrapping Up

While governance in enterprise architecture can sometimes feel like a complex board game, with the right strategies and tools, it can be mastered for smooth and effective operations.

Next Week's Sneak Peek: "The Innovation Impasse" - Breaking through barriers to innovation in traditional enterprise settings.

Stay tuned for more governance antics with "Enterprise Architecture: The Struggle is Real"!