BA World DC 2020

If you have ever struggled to define a minimally viable result, then you need a way to not only brainstorm ideas, but also a way to cut the unnecessary waste out. Pass on Perfection is an exercise for discovering and co-creating a solution or product with what is minimally necessary. This simple to use concept has a wide variety of uses, but most importantly for product development efforts, it gives BAs and PMs a means to articulate what is minimally needed.

Learning Objectives:

• Contribute without being emotionally held to idea
• Co-create solutions that give everyone a voice and then co-own removing waste in solutions
• Build trust and psychological safety with positive collaboration

Asking good questions is a key business analyst skill. We ask questions to discover, to clarify, to elaborate or what else? It’s important to hit off with an impactful question and follow-up with powerful questions. We must give respect to the art of conversation. Let’s explore the art of asking questions and then listening in order to ask the next question (not just waiting to respond) or start a new line of questioning. Let the thrill of curiosity lead you to asking your best questions yet.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss pros and cons of “good” questions for our toolboxes
• Discuss how powerful questions with the importance of listening lead to productive conversations and gather information
• Workshop discussion in small groups to practice the art of the question

Antarctica is a place that truly drives home the need for planning AND, even more so, the ability to respond to change. Julie’s trip there helped her appreciate how this Agile Manifesto value is true beyond software development and built up her empathy for team members struggling with dynamic situations!

Learning Objectives

• Appreciate how “responding to change over following a plan” applies beyond software development
• Explain the benefits gained from being able to adjust to changing circumstances
• Describe the benefits gained from the right amount of planning