How often do we hear from our sponsors and stakeholders, “That’s not what I was expecting,” or “I can’t spend any more time with you—I’ve already told you what I want.” Many stakeholders think once they’ve provided the vision of their solution, the project team should go away and give them what they’ve asked for.
During this presentation we cover techniques for avoiding the “Oh No!” Using scenarios and real-life examples, we provide tips and techniques for not only for defining the real need, but for asking the right questions to uncover expectations.
 
This presentation focuses on:

• Pitfalls of giving stakeholders what they ask for
• The importance of asking context questions
• Techniques for exploration during elicitation
• The BA as detective to uncover real needs
• How traceability helps uncover expectations
• How to win over sponsors and stakeholders including tips for building trust during elicitation activities

Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to discuss:

1. Three common elicitation pitfalls
2. Importance of asking context questions
3. Five tips for uncovering expectations

 
Speaker Bio:
Elizabeth Larson, Principal, PMP, CBAP, CSM
Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, CSM, PMP, PMI-PBA is a consultant and advisor for Watermark Learning/PMA. She has over 30 years of experience in project management and business analysis. Elizabeth’s speaking history includes repeat keynotes and presentations for national and international conferences on five continents.
Elizabeth has co-authored books on CBAP Certification, Requirements Management, and Influencing topics. She has also co-authored chapters published in four books, as well as numerous articles that appear regularly in BA Times, Project Times, and Modern Analyst. Elizabeth was a lead author on the BABOK 2.0, an expert reviewer on 3.0, a lead author on the PMBOK 4th and 5th editions, and the PMI BA Practice Guide.
Elizabeth enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, theater, and spending time with her 6 grandsons