Role Definition Is Not Enough: A Response To 'Build A Better Enterprise Architect'
Architecture & Governance Magazine, Friday, August 28th, 2026
A critique argues that narrowly redefining the enterprise architect role misses the systemic changes needed for real impact.
Leonard Greski critiques a recommendation to narrowly redefine the enterprise architect role and tie it to measurable outcomes, arguing this ignores the broader delivery system of roles, work states, and measurements.
He contends most enterprise architecture departments lack direct accountability for business results, which limits their influence, and that architecture departments repeatedly cycle through growth and consolidation because leadership focuses on role definitions rather than systemic change.
He proposes a systems-first approach built on product-organized teams, managed backlogs, and frequent delivery of tested capabilities.