The document describes a requirements verification workshop led by a business analyst with five stakeholders discussing seven project requirements. Initial requirements are endorsed quickly, but as discussions progress, complexities arise, particularly over terminology and exceptions, indicating that later discussions may become more challenging. The narrative emphasizes the need for structured facilitation to manage the evolving conversation effectively.

1. Be a Better BAThe challenge of the Requirements Workshop

2. How hard could it be?

3. Our intrepid Business Analysts has invited five project stakeholders along for a requirements verification workshop.She wants to get endorsement on the next 7 requirements the team are working on.

4. Let’s take a look at how complex this discussion could get.

5. R1Our heroine announces Requirement 1 and reads it out. It is simple, straightforward and there is little in the way of exceptions to the core requirement statement.Two stakeholders feel they have something to say on this topic (maybe just so they can feel useful.)Everyone quickly endorses the requirement.

6. R1R2.1R2Requirement 2 is read out and kicks of a lively discussion about the definition of the word “Shall”. Additionally there is an important and common ‘exception to the rule’ that is discussed robustly by most of the stakeholders.It seems that putting this new function in an IT system is going to be a challenge for some people who like the fuzziness of the rule today.

7. R1R2R3.1R3.2R3By Requirement 3 everyone is on a roll. Let’s really get into the guts of this issue. There are two points e want to really nail here.

8. Let’s stop and look at how this conversation is flowing.

9. R1R1R1R2R2.1R2R3.1R3.2R3

10. 3 Simple requirement statements. And this isn’t even a very thorough conversation. Imagine what it will look like at number 7!

11. What’s going to happen in this room?

12. What we need…

14. Pick your methodsLots of peopleA professionally facilitated and agenda run meeting, time boxed with any detailed discussions being broken up into smaller facilitated groupsLots to talk aboutA conversationOne topicJust you and meto match your needs

15. Read more atwww.BetterProjects.net