I would like to share with you two fantastic books I have read recently. I found them to be a perfect match for what I am doing. Developing a Sense-and-Respond mindset in our VUCA world and learning to ride the elevator “from the Penthouse to the Engine Room and Back” to be successful as an architect.

Evolvagility – Michael Hamman

In our VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity und ambiguity) world Predict-and-Plan no longer works.

The book teaches us how a shift to Sense-and-Respond can succeed. People with such a mindset tend to plan&strategize as they go as they know things will change, often in very unexpected ways.

“The ability to grow organizational agility rests ultimately on growing the inner sense-making capacity of individuals, whether alone or in relationship with others. In order to grow Sense-and-Respond organizations you need to grow Sense-and-Respond minds.”

Not an easy read but very valuable thoughts and ideas for your personal journey. It is a book you will have to work with and my plans are to do exactly that.

The Software Architect Elevator – Gregor Hohpe

A book about the role of the architect. Great insights and ideas. You have to ride the elevator “from the Penthouse to the Engine Room and Back” to be successful. “The origin of the word architect: it derives from the Greek ἀρχιτέκτων (architekton), which roughly translates into “master builder.” An architect should be someone who actually builds, not someone who only draws pretty pictures. An architect is also expected to be accomplished in their profession as to deserve the attribute of being a “master.”

For me a must read for all (Enterprise) Architects.