In anticipation of his presentation at Building Business Capability in Vegas, Nov. 2 – 6, 2015, we asked Adrian Reed, Principal Consultant / Business Analyst at Blackmetric Business Solutions, a few questions about pursuing business excellence. Check out his interview in relation to his BBC presentation entitled, Strategy:  The Crucial Enabler.

Q: How is your organization advancing the pursuit of business excellence?

A: We’re really keen to work with our stakeholders to understand not just the stated need, but the underlying problem, need or opportunity.  So often people come to us with a solution in mind; “I want to implement XYZ system.”  By working with them to understand the outcomes they want to achieve, rather than jumping straight to a solution, we can help them find solutions that they might not have even thought of.

Q: Can you describe the challenges you face or have already overcome in establishing a more cohesive and productive company or organization?

A: I think in any organization it’s easy to get caught up in ‘busywork’—tasks that might be quite satisfying to complete but aren’t really adding value.  We always focus clearly on goals, and ensure that tasks are aligned to that. A great question to ask is “Why do we do XX?” and “How does this help us get closer to our goal?” If nobody knows, then perhaps it’s time to stop.

Q: What’s the most important goal/trend for business analysts to keep in mind?

A:In my view, the increased recognition and acceleration of the Business Architecture profession is exciting. There are huge collaboration opportunities between the two communities, with a natural area of overlap.  Keeping an eye on developments in architecture as well as analysis is important.

Q: What’s the latest method/process/tool you have implemented to help your organization or business run more efficiently and effectively?

A: A simple electronic kanban system for collaboration and easily seeing how much work is in progress.

Q: If you could give your five-years-ago self-insight and advice about this industry, what would you say?

A: Tools and techniques are important, but it’s the outcome that matters. What people really want, ultimately, is a better and more effective organization that delivers more customer delight.  It’s awesome being part of a profession that can contribute to that.

Q: Sneak preview: Please tell us a take-away that you will provide during your talk at Building Business Capability?

A: That strategy should be at the forefront of our minds as BAs, whatever the project.

—————————–

Don’t miss Adrian’s presentation, Strategy:  The Crucial Enabler, at Building Business Capability on Thursday, November 5, 2015 from 3:20 to 4:20 pm.  Click here to register for attendance.