Lost in Translation: When IT Speaks Tech and the Business Hears Gibberish

Welcome to Episode 5!

Hello again, architects! This week, we tackle one of the greatest communication barriers in the modern enterprise: translating between IT and the business. If you’ve ever watched a CIO and a CTO talk past each other like they’re in parallel universes, this one’s for you.

The Main Story: A Meeting of Misunderstandings

Imagine this: The IT team proudly presents their latest architecture strategy. The slide deck is filled with elegant diagrams, tech buzzwords, and references to Kubernetes, microservices, and zero-trust security.

Across the table, the business team nods politely, but behind their eyes? Utter confusion. One brave soul raises a hand: “So… will this make us more money?”

Meanwhile, the business executives unveil their grand strategy: market expansion, customer engagement, and digital transformation. IT listens but only hears, “We want everything faster, cheaper, and somehow with fewer resources.”

And just like that, the meeting ends with mutual frustration, unclear next steps, and the vague agreement to “align better.”

TOGAF’s Take: Bridging the Language Gap

TOGAF provides a framework for aligning business and IT through its Business Architecture and Information Systems Architecture layers. The key is speaking a common language—one that translates business goals into architectural roadmaps.

Tips for Clearer Communication:

1. Use Business-Friendly Metaphors: Instead of explaining cloud architecture, say, “It’s like upgrading from DVDs to Netflix.”

2. Tie Tech to Business Outcomes: Show how IT decisions impact revenue, customer experience, and efficiency.

3. Simplify, Then Simplify Again: If your explanation takes more than two slides, it’s too complicated.

Humor in Diagrams

Share Your Lost-in-Translation Moments

Have you ever had a business meeting that felt like an episode of Star Trek with alien languages? Share your funniest miscommunication moments, and let’s laugh (and learn) together!

Wrapping Up

Good architecture isn’t just about technology—it’s about communication. The best architects are also translators, bridging the gap between IT complexity and business strategy.

Next Week’s Sneak Peek:

“Flying Cars and EA in 2030: Preparing for Wild Technological Predictions”

Until then, keep your language clear and your slides simpler!