I've noticed something common among new BAs, especially those just out of training. There’s a tendency to view BABOK techniques as strict recipes that must be followed verbatim. I'd like to share a different perspective that might help.

Think of BABOK not as a rigid set of instructions, but more like guidelines or suggestions. These techniques are designed to be adaptable, allowing us to tailor them to the specific demands of our projects and the unique needs of our stakeholders.

Why is this important? Well, flexibility is key in our field. No two projects are identical, so being able to adjust our approach is crucial. Sometimes, sticking too closely to a "script" might not deliver the best results. Instead, being creative and making adjustments or combining techniques can be much more effective.

It's about making the techniques work for you, not the other way around. By aligning the guidelines with your own working style and the project's objectives, you can enhance your effectiveness and contribute more value.

I encourage you all to look at BABOK techniques as a starting point.

Experiment with them, adjust them, and see how they can best serve your project's goals.

I'd love to hear from you—have you modified any standard techniques to better fit your projects? What was the outcome?

Looking forward to your stories and insights!