From the course: Requirements Elicitation for Business Analysts: Interviews

Acknowledging an interviewee's time and input

From the course: Requirements Elicitation for Business Analysts: Interviews

Acknowledging an interviewee's time and input

“

- I think we would all agree, that getting a thank you card or email is a satisfying experience. It connects us with one another and feels good. Thanking the stakeholder for their time, not just at the end of the interview, but in some strategic follow-up as well, goes a long way. By using a personal follow-up after the interview, you can accomplish a few things. First, you reestablish a connection and rapport. Second, it gives them an opportunity to tell you or ask you something that has been on their mind since the interview. I've found that these lingering thoughts are typically quite important. And last, a genuine follow-up and thank you is always a good idea. I don't use handwritten thank you cards for requirements elicitation interviews, but there are some techniques I've used for you to consider in a personal thank you and follow-up, after a requirements elicitation interview. The most common one I use is a quick email later in the day. This can be part of other follow-up items you're sending them as well, and what's important is, it's a genuine thank you for their time, and identifying a specific contribution made, and how it has or will impact the quality of the project. For example, in an email note, I might say something like, "Thank you John for your time today discussing the online medical records project. Specifically that risk you mentioned about the user experience is really powerful. I think you really hit on an important part of the project's success. I'll ensure we work hard on that aspect of the project." This is an example of how we can reconnect with a stakeholder, and build trust. And if there's a misunderstanding, he has an easy way to reply back, and correct that miscommunication. Another approach is to swing by their office, if it's close or convenient. Similarly, you want to have a genuine thank you, and a specific contribution with why it was important. These same principles apply to seeing them at the water cooler, in another meeting, the hallway, or at lunch. The thank you follow-up is about building the relationship and building trust. Strategically gaining the trust of our stakeholders, by mentioning something very specific and impactful. Your actions will show the results.

Contents