As an Enterprise Architect, I’ve discovered a powerful technique from the world of aviation that has revolutionized my approach to strategic planning and execution. It’s called chair flying, and it’s transformed the way I prepare for complex initiatives and navigate organizational challenges.

My Journey into Chair Flying

I first encountered chair flying during my time as a pilot. It’s a practice where we visualize and mentally rehearse entire flight sequences, procedures, and maneuvers while sitting in a chair on the ground. We mentally walk through each step of a flight, visualize cockpit controls and instruments, simulate hand and foot movements, and even verbalize radio communications and checklists. This technique allowed me to build muscle memory, reinforce procedures, and prepare for various scenarios, ultimately improving my performance and confidence in the air.

Lessons from My Aviation Experience

My personal experiences in aviation have vividly illustrated the importance of chair flying and the consequences of not utilizing this valuable technique.

Navigating Challenges in Early Training

I recall my first solo flight using dead reckoning. Without proper mental preparation, I got lost in hazy conditions. Looking back, I realize how chair flying could have helped me:

• I could have visualized the navigation process, landmarks, and calculations, potentially preventing my disorientation.
• Simulating the flight mentally would have better prepared me for the challenging visibility conditions I encountered.

Similarly, during my first flight as a sailplane instructor, I made two minor errors that I believe could have been avoided with thorough mental preparation:

• Chair flying would have allowed me to do a step-by-step mental walkthrough, reducing the likelihood of oversights.
• Regular mental rehearsal could have boosted my confidence in this new role, potentially preventing errors stemming from nervousness.

Mastering Complex Scenarios

In Air Force pilot training, I found chair flying invaluable:

• I used it to visualize unfamiliar maneuvers, like inverted flight, which prepared me for physical execution.
• Nightly chair flying sessions helped me reinforce my training and tackle the rigorous requirements of military flight school.

The Dangers of Complacency

Even as an experienced pilot, I learned the hard way about the importance of ongoing chair flying. During one takeoff, I missed an engine flameout that my co-pilot caught. This incident taught me:

• Regular mental rehearsal helps maintain vigilance on critical procedures and cockpit scans.
• Visualizing emergency scenarios improves reaction times and decision-making skills.

Applying Chair Flying to My Enterprise Architecture Practice

Now, as an Enterprise Architect, I’ve adapted this powerful technique to enhance my strategic planning and execution:

1. I visualize the enterprise landscape, creating a mental model of my organization’s current architecture, including systems, processes, and stakeholders.
2. I mentally rehearse initiatives, walking through each step of a proposed architectural change, anticipating challenges and decision points.
3. I practice stakeholder interactions, simulating important conversations and presentations, preparing for potential questions and objections.
4. I engage in scenario planning, envisioning different outcomes and “what-if” scenarios, allowing me to develop contingency plans.
5. I refine processes by mentally reviewing and optimizing architectural processes, identifying areas for improvement.
6. I build confidence through regular “chair flying” sessions, boosting my ability to present and execute complex architectural initiatives.

Avoiding Pitfalls in My Enterprise Architecture Work

Just as I faced challenges as a pilot without proper mental preparation, I’ve encountered similar issues in Enterprise Architecture:

Respecting Context

I’ve learned that failing to fully understand the context of an initiative can lead to misaligned solutions. My chair flying now involves:

• Mentally walking through the entire ecosystem affected by proposed changes.
• Mapping stakeholders and rehearsing interactions with different departments and their unique perspectives.
• Envisioning how initiatives align with organizational culture and values.

Conceptual Data Modeling

I’ve found that diving into implementation without a solid conceptual data model can result in architectural flaws. My chair flying techniques now include:

• Visualizing data flows through proposed architectures.
• Practicing the creation and refinement of conceptual models in my mind.
• Identifying integration points by visualizing how new data structures will interact with existing systems.

Change Management Preparation

Like preparing for different flight conditions, I now ready myself for various change scenarios:

• I simulate resistance by mentally rehearsing how to address common objections and concerns.
• I visualize phased implementations, practicing walking through each stage of a complex rollout.
• I refine communication strategies by mentally rehearsing key messages for different stakeholder groups.

By adopting this pilot-inspired technique, I’ve sharpened my focus, enhanced my creativity, and better prepared myself for the complexities of guiding organizational transformation. Just as I used chair flying to master my craft as a pilot, I now use this mental simulation to navigate the ever-changing skies of enterprise technology and strategy. The lessons I learned from aviation—early implementation, continuous practice, visualization power, and error prevention—applying equally to EA, helping EA Principals training and advisory services. As noted in the other two articles in this edition, new EA knowledge and skills are needed to help EAs plan and practice their art in an aviation-like context, such as in congested skies and poor weather conditions.

In fact, EA must benefit a lot going forward from emerging augmented intelligence tools and techniques. EA Principals provides critical inspiration and guidance to help our clients mentally focus more intensely and creatively on the next sortie in their EA roadmaps.

Authored by Dr. Steve Else, Chief Architect & Principal Instructor