Talking to Business Executives about EA

Simply telling a business audience all the wonderful things that EA will do for you is not enough. Light bulbs go on only when you have a chance to show them what it means to them. So, don’t try to “sell” an audience on the academic virtues of EA. Show them. Use relationships among component parts and expose mappings that they always thought existed, but never quite had a chance to see before.

Take the Initiative

I was recently asked to reflect on the strengths of some of the EA practitioners I have worked with over the years. They have been an inspiring group who collectively and individually were drawn to EA because they aspired to make a difference in their companies. Fulfilling that aspiration isn’t always an easy path.

It’s About Time

Of the many reasons to have EA as part your company’s approach to decision-making, the one that is most often overlooked is that it will save you TIME. Saving time means moving forward faster.

EA Value Contribution

What value does the EA function provide to the enterprise? That question consistently ranks in the top ten list of most frequently asked EA questions. The answer to the question depends on who is asking and what answer they expect to hear based on their personal and professional interpretation of the word “value”. A systematic, multi-part approach to addressing the value question can lend clarity.