Manish's – Thoughts and Learnings

In recent meetings, I’ve observed participants engaging in extensive discussions on various solution architecture topics and sharing their viewpoints, but reaching a consensus has been challenging. This scenario underscores the critical role of a Solution Architect.

In such scenarios, Solution Architect must,

1. Facilitate Discussions: Ensure every team member has the opportunity to share their viewpoints.
2. Listen Actively: Understand the underlying reasons and potential impacts of each suggestion.
3. Analyze Thoroughly: Consider technical feasibility, business requirements, and long-term implications.
4. Make Informed Decisions: When consensus is elusive, make a well-informed decision and explain the rationale to ensure team buy-in. Sometimes this will also require adopting a kind of autocratic leadership style.
5. Own the Decision: Be accountable for the outcomes and ready to make adjustments if needed.

Balancing leadership styles is key for a Solution Architect. While autocratic decisions can be efficient, incorporating elements of democratic leadership by valuing team inputs, fosters a more collaborative and motivated team environment.

If you want to learn more about leadership style, refer my earlier post – Navigating Between Different Leadership Styles – Manish’s – Thoughts and Learnings

How do you handle diverse viewpoints in your team? Share your experiences!