“You gave me exactly what I asked for, but it’s not what I wanted.”
In the world of project management, getting a quote like this from an executive is kind of like scoring the game-winning shot and then getting called for an offensive foul on the play.
On the one hand, it’s a compliment: you did your job; you met the requirements; you delivered the deliverables.
But if what you delivered isn’t what the organization needs, even though they asked for it, it’s still a big fail.
So how do you avoid a situation like this?
Using Business Analysis
The International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA)® defines business analysis as the practice of enabling change in an organizational context, by defining needs and recommending solutions that deliver value to stakeholders.
Business analysis is the homework you do before embarking on the project. It’s ensuring:
- that the awesome new workflow actually makes sense
- that the product being produced meets the needs of the customer
- that what the stakeholders are asking for is, indeed, what they really want.
In project management, the Project Management Institute (PMI)® is the governing body of project management and the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification distinguishes project managers who have demonstrated expertise in their field and passed a comprehensive exam.
For business analysis, IIBA® is that governing body, and the comparable certification is known as the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)®.
Here at Solarity, business analysis is an important part of our integrated practices model. It helps us ensure that when we are working with our customers, we’re understanding exactly what their needs are as well as the environment in which they are working.
At Solarity, we always incorporate business analysis into our consulting services. We use it to flush out misunderstandings between executives and employees right from the get-go and to develop a clear alignment on the requirements of the projects we are managing.
That leads to our clients saying things like:
“You didn’t give us what we asked for, but you gave us exactly what we needed!”
Now that’s a game-winning shot, Business Analysis-style!
About the Author
Cory Camic, PMP, is the Business Development Manager at Solarity, focussing on leveraging solutions-based selling to partner with our clients in helping them to integrate the people, processes, and tools to enable success. Before joining Solarity, Cory worked in a technical training organization, helping to design, implement, and manage training programs for enterprise level organizations. He is characterized as a results-driven individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
About Solarity >
Our mission is to help people, organizations, and communities THRIVE! Our broad range of experience and knowledge in a range of different industries allows us to customize our approach to fit the situation. We work in total partnership with our clients to understand their business needs and the current environment, and then match the right amount of process to meet the culture and the project.