The softer side of EA

Here are some reflections on the inclusion of soft elements in the pactice of EA. My reflections are constructured around a 3 level model : Self, Others and System. These levels help to guide my reflection about the implications of the human dimension of EA at various conceptual levels.

Self. Embracing human-centric elements in Self is about understanding how our way of seeing is also our way of not seeing. It's about understanding how our view of the world, our values and beliefs affect our perceptions and decisions. Hence, it’s about walking away from the belief that perceptions and decision may be disconnected from emotions. There is not "rational" way "a la Descarte". As a side note, the work of Damasio (a neurologist) supports this view.

Others. Embracing human-centric elements in Others is about understanding how to take into consideration the needs of others, especially with regards to motivation, self-fulfilment, learning and engagement. Consequently, this is about understanding how our way of working with others impacts directly the outcome of the work... there are no multiple ways to get to the same end, each way will impact the outcome especially from a human perspective. Other is about change management and transformation.

System. Embracing human-centric elements in System is similar to Others but it is not about the interpersonal dynamics, it's about how the global human dynamics of a organisation impact the other systems of the organisation (and vice versa) such as the political system, the technological system and the socio-economical system. System is about having a "systems thinking" approach to the organization and understanding global optimization with regards to multiple dimensions (technology, human, financial, etc.).

Self is about rethinking how our views of the world impact the way we do and thinking about EA. My topic on Post-Modernist is an example of this. Through self, the process of achieving EA and the expectations on the outcome of EA will change.

Others is about viewing EA through a social psychological lens. It’s about viewing EA as a sense-making process. Consequently it’s about rethinking how we engage people is EA work and how EA work will change the way people work and think. Through Others, the process of achieving EA will change in order to achieve differences in the way people will relate to the outcome.

System is about view EA through different systems theories. It’s about using a holistic (Gestalt) approach in helping organisations. Through System, the dimensions (systems) considered when doing EA as well as the interactions between these dimensions are considered (the whole is greater than the pieces) will change.

As can we seen in my model, considering the human dimension will always change how EA is achieved as well as the outcomes.