Author: Geri Schneider Winters
I was asked recently how to increase productivity and performance as a BA. Here are some ideas based on my own experience.
- Before acting ask yourself the best approach to something.
- For example, when collecting information we often assume that interviews are the best approach. Before scheduling interviews, think about the information you need. Maybe you can get the information you need more quickly from a document.
- Another example could be effectiveness. It may be more effective to collect 5 people in a room together where they can discuss an issue, rather than you asking questions of each of the 5, then following up to resolve differences. Acting as a go-between is less effective than letting the people work it out for themselves.
- Do only what you have to do at each point in time and no more.
- Early in a project, we identify just the architecturally significant requirements so that the project architect can do his or her work. The rest of the requirements are discovered later.
- When I write use cases, I start with the basic flow. Sometimes I do not have to write any more, but if I do, I write the alternatives when they are needed.
- Keep focused on the goal of the project.
- You should not be working on things unrelated to the goal of the project. If you are asked to do so, talk about it with your Project Manager.
- Keep learning your craft and get better at it.
- Take classes in areas where you are weak.
- Look for ways to get additional experience. Many of the skills of the BA can be practiced outside of work. For example, you can practice interviewing by asking a grandmother to tell you stories of her life while you write them. You get to practice asking questions, listening, and writing, and you have stories from grandmother that you can share with the family.
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Now it is your turn.
What do you do to be more productive? What things have you found that help you work faster?
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* Article used with permission from Wyyzzk, Inc.’s Resources for Business Analysts site at http://www.ResourcesForBusinessAnalysts.com This website of reports and tips contains information to help you succeed as a Business Analyst in IT.
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