In business analysis projects, plans become outdated as soon as you start executing. As you discover new information about the people, project characteristics, and process, those changes impact your plan. Things may change from minute to minute, so your plan can only be as good as what you have now. Here are some tips to help you deal with the unforeseen:
Tell your team right away about any changes you have to make.
The earlier the team is aware of changes, the more easily everyone can adjust.
Always preface your plans with “This is the information I know now.”
Doing so lets them know they are getting the most recent knowledge and that the communication is not cast in stone.
Have a plan B.
You should develop a response for the high-impact, high-likelihood scenarios that may arise.
Be flexible and open to change.
Don’t stick to your plan for the sake of sticking to your plan. Change happens.
Planning isn’t a perfect science. You can’t make your work plan final until you have all the information you need, but you acquire information and data at all sorts of different times. You can’t possibly plan for all possibilities, but you can plan for how to deal with change when it does come (and it will).
