Just Effectively Do It - The Enterprise Architect way

Just Effectively Do It - the TechArch2Ops JEDI approach

In IT Consulting, architects are expected to be JEDI… I take that to mean “Just Effectively Do It”

Of course, I’m leaning into a bit of Star Wars nerdery; and a play on Nike’s powerful “Just Do It” slogan but I also want to find the most direct way of providing a methodology for Technology Leadership, an approach to Enterprise Architecture, a strategy for Technology Executives to achieve their outcomes, and a mantra for Technology Architecture to Operations.

Just Effectively Do It:

👉 Get it done

👉 Do it right

Are Enterprise Architects JEDI? Let’s think...

The technology enterprise can be chaotic – behemoth platforms, unruly data, rogue contracts, cyber bounty hunters… and someone needs to bring order to the Empire.

For me, this little wordplay comes from years of personal, hands-on experience in technology leadership and architecture; delivering results but done in a way that achieves results and long-term sustainable value. And quite simply, that’s exactly what all Technology Executives are looking for.

Are Enterprise Architects the “Jedi” of my technology leadership team?

TechArch2Ops JEDI Duck

Enterprise Architects are strategic technology leaders who connect business ambition with technical execution. They need to understand a broad range of topics from technology, business operations, customer and sales channels, finances, risk management, market trends, innovation, process – to name a few. They use this broad knowledge to craft future-ready architectures, align digital strategy with operational realities, and guide transformation from vision to delivery.

Operating across the full lifecycle, from capability mapping and architectural blueprints to governance and service integration, Enterprise Architects ensure technology becomes a driver of resilience, scalability, and measurable outcomes. The Enterprise Architects provide a consistent and accountable technology leader from the start of a project’s inception, through delivery and transitioning into operations.

Additionally, Enterprise Architects are experts at building capabilities.

Capabilities are what an organisation, function, or sub-function does – defined by the outcomes that they will achieve. Capabilities are described by the people, processes, tools and governance that enable the capability to achieve its goals.

Enterprise Architects are therefore well placed to support Executive Leaders hit targets, deliver outputs, and progress the organisation.

With this spectrum of knowledge, experience and demand, Enterprise Architects can be deployed in a range of different technical roles, industries, portfolios and briefings. I would suggest that an Enterprise Architect is best described by their skills and technical experience, rather than catch-all concepts of “suits in ivory towers” or “jedis”.

Where do Enterprise Architects fit into the “Galactic Republic”?

With skillsets in operating model design, Enterprise Architects are often involved in establishing technology and IT capability. Enterprise Architects usually provide deliverables to the business executives, C-suite and board, reporting and delivering directly to a CTO/CIO or equivalent.

Architects are typically part of the technology leadership team working alongside one to three other key roles. Because architects tend to focus on strategy and design; their work is usually complemented by roles responsible for delivery, operations and support.

I have generally seen Enterprise Architects operating in organisations in three different models:

TechArch2Ops Enterprise Architecture Operating Models

Architecture operating models are representative of the organisation’s broader technology operating models. Often these models have evolved over time; or been put in place through a strategic initiative. The TechArch2Ops “Just Effectively Do It” mantra leans heavily towards a pragmatic approach; however, experience suggests that the engagement model needs to adapt to the organisation, environment and conditions.

How will Enterprise Architects use “the Force” to deliver value?

As discussed, Architects use their “Jedi” skillsets and their role within the “Galactic Republic” to deliver value outcomes. We’ve also acknowledged the wide variability of tasks and operating environments. As a result, the technical products they produce also largely depend on the specific project, stakeholders and communication requirements.

Whilst different operating models require different approaches, I have found that industrial organisations with flexibility in their technology approach (e.g. limited regulatory constraints) are able to deliver Enterprise Architecture as a business value driver. A “Just Enough Architecture” approach aligns with LEAN methodologies , where the importance of architecture is recognised (as in the Ivory Tower model); yet the organisational speed needs a more nuanced approach. Just Enough Architecture, as the name suggests, means that Architecture is produced as and when needed.

In any approach, it is rarely necessary to produce technical products unless they support the organisation and its stakeholders in achieving its objectives. Similarly, while there are established templates and tested models used in the past; there is no guarantee they will be appropriate or reused in future situations. One of Enterprise Architect’s key skill sets is to tailor their approach and products to meet the needs of their customers. In a future article, I will share a selection of example technical products that Enterprise Architects may produce.

“Just Effectively Do It (JEDI)” – the Enterprise Architecture approach

What I respect most about the Jedi is that they are wise, visionary and strategic – but they also get stuck in on missions, with a pragmatic can-do attitude, and carry the battle scars that give them insight to guide them through any eventuality.

Enterprise Architects are responsible for the technology vision, strategy and governance. The TechArch2Ops approach does not stop here.  At TechArch2Ops, we firmly believe that Enterprise Architects are responsible for achieving the business outcomes they are set to achieve. This means that Enterprise Architects must consider technology throughout its lifecycle – and act as the business leader who enable, supports and drives the team to achieve great results.

“From Architecture to Operations” ensures design-for-operations, service, and maintenance. This requires making the correct long-term decisions for technology by balancing short-term needs with long-term implications. So, whilst we want to be pragmatic and build momentum, we also need to do this right: performant, efficient, secure, scalable – effective.

The Nike slogan “Just Do It” (great background story) has been a powerful rallying cry for athletes and everyday individuals alike – to take initiative, push through obstacles, and pursue goals through action. As I try to achieve my personal goals, I have found this to be a powerful lifestyle philosophy. I have also committed to this philosophy in my career – to not ‘Just Do It’, but also to ‘effectively do it’.

“Just Effectively Do It” provides TechArch2Ops and our clients a slogan and cultural rallying cry towards proactive leadership, purposeful execution, and quality deliverables.

Conclusions on whether Enterprise Architects are JEDI?

Enterprise Architects are skilled, experienced and proactive members of the Technology Leadership Team. My definition of JEDI, “Just Effectively Do It”, provides Enterprise Architects with a mantra for more than just action, it’s a commitment towards strategic and high-quality execution. I believe this to be a foundational principle of Enterprise Architecture – Just Effectively Do It.

To conclude, I found it amusing to examine the key skills and experiences of the Jedi , their importance and what they mean to Enterprise Architects. I believe these fictional heroes provide the ideal blueprint for a technology leader.

Jedi Skill/Experience	Why It Matters	Enterprise Architects
Mastery of the Force	Core Jedi ability; enables unique powers	Technology and enterprise architecture mastery
Lightsaber Proficiency	Essential for defence and combat	Models, frameworks, blueprints – boxes and lines
Diplomacy and Negotiation	Key for peaceful conflict resolution	Stakeholder management and governance forums
Leadership Experience	Required for leading missions and mentoring	Baring the scars of transformations gone by
Emotional Intelligence	Prevents dark side influence; ensures wise actions	Authentic connections bring collaborative results
Combat and Tactical Training	Needed for survival in dangerous situations	Cyber awareness promotes Secure by Design
Multilingual Communication	Facilitates cross-species interaction	Exec business and technology stakeholders, vendors and consultants – beating buzzword BS
Stealth and Espionage	Useful for covert operations	Under NDA
Healing and First Aid	Supports team health and mission continuity	‘Purple People’ – deep technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills.
Cultural Awareness & Law	Ensures just, effective action across the galaxy	Develops and operates governance forums to keep order across the Empire/Enterprise

At TechArch2Ops, the “Just Effectively Do It” mantra isn’t just a catchy phrase, it’s a call to leadership, adaptability, and delivering real, lasting value amid complexity and change. Like the Jedi, Enterprise Architects navigate chaos with clarity, lead with courage, and bring balance to the technology galaxy. And that, quite simply, is the kind of leadership every organisation needs.