Heuristics

Guide Decisions, Do Not Dictate Solutions

Authors: Peter Hunter, Elena Stojmilova, Kenny Schwegler, Andrea Magnorsky

Submitter: Peter Hunter

How should senior architects support newly empowered teams?

Instead of providing direct answers, guide teams by asking probing questions and suggesting alternative perspectives. This fosters their decision-making skills and ownership without undermining their autonomy. The goal is to enable, not to command.

Examples

When a team asks 'Is this the best way?', the architect responds by asking 'What will happen if you choose another way?'. This prompts the team to explore the trade-offs themselves.

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