Puzzle #2: Complete
In preparation for the 2016 TBM Conference I felt it was most appropriate to pick up where I left off with my fellow TBMAs. My apologies @Rhonda Keller and @Debbie Hagen for not doing this sooner.
Soon after receiving my Recognized TBMA (RTBMA) Certification I received a gift from @Rhonda Keller and @Debbie Hagen. The gift was an “Equa” Hanayama cast puzzle. After solving it (apparently in record time) the Education Services Team challenged me and sent me another puzzle. The second puzzle was a “Vortex.” Being the challenge junkie that I am I couldn’t put the puzzles down until I finished. As it turned out the experience of solving the puzzles was quite insightful and relatable to my TBM journey. It was quite frustrating and I even had a bit of bruising in my fingers from shifting the pieces back and forth. Below are my shared lessons learned and of course the link to the original post about the puzzles to our TBMAs:
https://tbmcouncil.jiveon.com/community/apptio/education-services/blog/2015/07/29/its-easy-when-you-know-how
Lessons Learned:
- 1. Easy does it. Easier approaches yield bigger results.
TBM Translation: As TBMAs we may be presented with complex business requirements. Our first instinct may be to match the complexity of the request/problem with a complex solution. In most cases, the solution lies in simplicity. Think of a way to find a simple solution, your stakeholders will appreciate it!
- 2. The lay of the land. Every piece, crease, curve, imperfection is there for a reason. (2 Parts)
- 1. TBM Translation: Your organization has processes, people, and technologies in place. First ask “why” things are where they are before proposing changes and assuming they aren’t “right.” There may be a perfectly justified reason why things are where they are. “This is how we have always done it” should a justified answer. Understanding the background will give you the ammunition to solve issues, propose improvements, and get support!
- 2. TBM Translation: If you were to break apart your Apptio model can you puzzle it back together? Forget the “Audit Log” for a second. What if something was broken and you had to fix it? Knowing the creases and curves in your model/environment will allow you to flex with ease. In time of chaos, it will help you recover and troubleshoot!
- 3. Learn from experience. Try to solve it yourself first.
TBM Translation: It may be easy to go off and ask for answers from peers (TBM Connect is a great place!) there is nothing wrong with that, but first attempt to find a solution yourself. Every method or situation is a new tool that you can add to your internal knowledge library and helps solve future challenges. Remember you’re a TBMA and people should come to YOU for answers!
- 4. Get on IT! It will never be perfect, just get something DONE!
TBM Translation: I’m totally guilty of this and I should caution you fellow TBMAs. There are thousands of ways you can approach an implementation, allocation, or report. There is no right or wrong way, but spending too much time to get it “right” can impact the ROI you are able to provide your organization. Get something OUT and then get FEEDBACK and build on that. Especially in an implementation, you will never know what resonates with your audience until they actually see something in front of them. Give them something to FEED their APPETITE for TBM!
- 5. Clear mind, Clear Sight. Don’t get TBMA-Block.
TBM Translation: Like Writer’s Block, TBMA-Block is the condition of being unable to formulate a solution (Model, Report, Allocation, etc.) or how to proceed with doing it. When things don't seem to work, take a breath, clear your mind, and recharge. Straight forward…If your mind is blocked STEP AWAY and BREATHE. Your brain will appreciate it and most importantly you’ll be calm to find some LIGHT and CLARITY!