7 Habits for Developing a Technical Architect Mindset
A Certified Technical Architect (CTA) is the pinnacle Salesforce credential holder. Architect “thinking” is fundamental to all who aspire to become an architect. Start practicing these seven habits and you can kick start your own #JourneyToCTA.
A CTA is someone who demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and capabilities to design and build high-performance technical solutions on the Salesforce Platform across all domains.
To be a Technical Architect, you need to be both a big-picture thinker and in-depth problem solver, your knowledge and skills being both broad and deep.
You must design solutions for the long term that can take a company from one to one million customers seamlessly. And you need to have proven experience integrating systems via APIs as well as a strong development background.
Successful Salesforce architecture is a blend of art, science, and business.
Since the inception of this elite credential, CTAs have driven transformation, balancing today’s business challenges with tomorrow’s needs. A good Architect must possess not only technological expertise but also a high degree of business acumen and excellent communication skills.
As exciting (or daunting) as this may sound to all you aspiring Architects out there, the good news is you can start developing an Architect way of thinking… today!
As a Global Master Instructor at Salesforce, I want to share my seven habits for developing an Architect mindset, which you can practice to begin your #JourneyToCTA.
1. Learn when to use clicks vs. code
Great Architects maximize the potential of the Salesforce Platform. This means knowing which solutions are best using declarative features (clicks) or programmatic tools (code).
To build your skills and expertise around native Salesforce features and functionality, consider tackling the Designer Certifications included as part of the Salesforce Application Architect credential.
To focus more on programmatic solutions, such as integration and securing access between systems, check out the Designer Certifications included as part of the Salesforce System Architect credential.
2. Engage the community, with intention
We all live in a social media culture, and everyone loves a “follower.” But remember to schedule time in your busy schedule to engage the Trailblazer Community with true intention.
Commit to logging in to the Architect Trailblazer Community or the Ladies Be Architect group (where all are welcome) for 10 minutes each day to engage in a meaningful discussion.
Engaging with the community is the perfect way to get more exposure to how businesses talk about themselves and their business issues. This will prove invaluable for the Technical Architect Review Board exam, where you’re expected to design an optimal architecture solution hypothetical scenario based on a real-world business need.
Answer a technical question, post your own, share useful resources you have discovered (or created), or encourage someone to take the next step in their journey. And most of all, be part of the conversation.
3. Understand the customer and their world
The best solutions are bigger than today’s problem. They also come from a deep understanding of where the industry around a customer is going. To help businesses transform, you must first know where customers and organizations are trying to go in the future.
One great way to start gaining this insight is by reading Request for Proposals (RFPs). Companies create RFPs at the beginning of projects to help potential vendors put together a solution plan. These documents let you look at how businesses talk about themselves and where they want to go.
RFPs help level up your thinking, as you’ll gain additional business context for the requirements you will ultimately configure with clicks or code.
Some useful things to think about: How does the RFP align with your experience? Where do you need to do some digging? What is the difference between where they are now and where they want to go? What can help eliminate that gap?
RFPs are just one way to get this information. You can also check out the sample Review Board scenarios in the Architect Trailblazer Community to practice your big-picture thinking.
4. Design cross-cloud
As shepherds of transformation, Architects need to think big picture and address their customers’ full range of business needs using their solutions.
Start building your Architect muscle by thinking cross-cloud — Sales, Service, Marketing, Commerce, Community, Mobile, Einstein Analytics, and Lightning. Design UX experiences using Lightning and intelligent apps using Einstein Analytics, which are accessible using web and mobile.
Check out the Trailhead for the C-Suite trailmix and start building your cross-cloud skills.
5. “Think correct, think fast”
This is something I say to all my Architect students. And it’s so true. Architects must think at the speed of business… and always be correct! You need to fully understand the concept before you apply it to a business problem.
At first, this will take some time, but once you’ve built this skill, you can practice thinking faster.
The invaluable Salesforce Architect Trailmixes are a great place to start building these fundamentals.
6. Flex your presenting muscle, with artifacts
Communication and presentation are essential Architect skills. To move an organization forward, you must be able to clearly articulate a point of view, pivot quickly to address questions, and defend your recommendations.
And just because you don’t present to the C-suite today doesn’t mean you can’t start developing the skills needed to do so.
Artifacts help convey the different parts of the proposed solution and can include system landscapes, data models, charts, and architectural and swim lane diagrams — all standard tools of the trade for a successful Architect.
These resources help everyone involved in a project to better understand both the current environment as well as the proposed future solution.
Start by understanding the different types of artifacts and their individual purpose. Learn standard diagramming conventions and best practices used in the industry. Seek out opportunities to present to customers, your team, or community groups… and use artifacts!
The Certified Technical Architect Preparation Workshop is the best place to learn more and discover best practices and tips and tricks. Plus, you’ll get hands-on and create your own artifacts to help articulate your architectural solution.
7. Give back, Be A Multiplier
It goes without saying that giving back, a core value of the #SalesforceOhana, applies to Architects too. In fact, Architects are the ultimate multipliers. Propagating design best practices helps everyone and contributes to customer success at scale, not only for today but for the future.
Join the Be A Multiplier (#BAM) movement to amplify and empower those around you. Mentor a junior member of your team, host a lunch-and-learn session, present at a community user group, or write a blog like Doina Popa and Emely Patra.
Regardless of your job title or role, and as you develop your Architect mindset by practicing these seven habits, give back in a big way and share! Why not start today?
Share your best Architect habit with us in the Trailblazer Community using #ArchitectMindset.
The demand for Architect skills is real. If you’re not already on your #JourneyToCTA, now is the time to embrace your inner Architect and set out on your new path.
