Reflection On A Complex Process Map Project: Areas of Improvement

I worked with a Senior Business Analyst on a complex process map that intertwined payments and regulations with new and legacy systems. We had barely three weeks to produce something to walkthrough for a major upcoming stakeholder meeting.

Though I had heard about document analysis, I had never applied it as we did for this project. We combed through a wealth of information on Confluence, in-house knowledge management solutions, process map artifacts from related works, user stories, and acceptance criteria on JIRA, technical policies, product, and payments documents, and held numerous meetings with subject matter experts. Several complex scenarios arose, but our goal, among others, was to create a single map depicting the processes end-to-end.

Three areas of improvement emerged for me.?

First, I need to train myself to quickly understand complex information, think fast on the spot, and ask insightful questions when new concepts are mentioned. It was challenging to hear some things for the first time and try to process them quickly. I plan to seek opportunities that require quick decision-making, such as solo trips to unfamiliar countries, playing video or board games, or engaging in sports like football. Additionally, I will read more technical materials in unfamiliar fields to better manage complexity and make sense of new information.

Secondly, I need to improve my spoken communication when discussing topics I am not fully clear about. This involves speaking in a way that encourages collaborative problem-solving and clarity. I plan to join organizations like Toastmasters to enhance my speaking skills and seek feedback during presentations in smaller groups. Watching British programs and professional shows like TED Talks will also help me learn expert-level communication techniques subconsciously.

Lastly, I need to combine good understanding, quick thinking, and effective communication to bring everything together. I observed the Senior BA using the Miro Board efficiently, organizing thoughts as we reviewed documents, and piecing together information to identify areas of confusion. This prompted us to ask questions and document issues for our meetings with SMEs. I need to practice this more to improve my overall effectiveness in similar projects. I will practice this in my next project and note how well I am improving. The BA world is surely an exciting one!