Working with your BA

The relationship between the Project Manager and a Business Analyst is one that can be complex but if works well can create a great project team and that will result in excellent project results.

Communication

It is always best in my experience to keep the BA fully up to date with the project as a whole not just on their specific piece of work, not only does it make them feel part of the project but it helps them understand some of the pressures you are under as a PM, and they may also be able to give some valuable input into the other areas of the project.


Challenge the Assumptions

The role of the PM is not just to tick off the milestones and document the deliverables but to ensure that the project delivers to the highest possible quality, on each part of analysis the project manager should act as a critical friend reviewing the analysts work and challenging their assumptions.


Clarity in Expectations

As in all aspects of management you need to be very clear in what you are expecting and keep to your agreed scope, give clear timelines and with all project planning give yourself some contingency to allow the BA deliver on time.

Existing/Contract Resources

Whilst there is some excellent contract BA's around, the best BA's I have worked with have all being long time in the organisation, they are the ones that have seen it all before, have the knowledge of the organisation and its systems and will importantly know the hidden pitfalls of delivering complex change.


Next Week- Creating the perfect Steering Pack