You might wonder why you should celebrate your business analyst this Global Business Analysis Day, and you are in luck! I have provided you with just 5 of the many reasons why a pat on the back is due. The role of a business analyst is diverse and yet specific. It sounds a bit like an oxymoron! Although we work doing very predictable things, like stakeholder engagement, requirements documentation and design, analysis, problem solving, and adapting to change, we need to do this in any organisation, any place, and under any conditions. This is what ultimately makes BAs a special breed!
Ask great questions
A great business analyst does not have all the answers; instead, he or she asks the right questions. A business analyst is not afraid to ask challenging, sometimes awkward why, what, when, who, how, and where questions. This is arguably one of the most difficult aspects of any change project. You must step outside of your comfort zone and approach stakeholders who may not want to spend the time or recognise the importance of the questions. At the end of the day, "a problem well stated is a problem half solved," and what better way to investigate a problem than to ask great questions?
Prioritize stakeholders over technology
Understanding the context of a situation, as well as putting yourself in the shoes of the stakeholder, is what makes business analysts so effective. BAs sit in a unique position where they are always working to understand not only the needs and demands of the business and its technology, but also what the individual stakeholder groups require. This requires working with people, shadowing, analyzing, and ensuring that good relationships are formed. Finally, the role of a business analyst is to understand the impact of the technology at hand and work to minimise short-term pains while maximising long-term gains. It sounds simple, doesn't it?
Thinking about the future state
To understand the future state, business analysts must first fully comprehend what is happening now. As business analysts, our role is to remove assumptions about what is perceived and provide information based on an understanding of the business need and how it relates to how the business operates today. This helps us visualise the baseline and context for change. At this point, we can consider what requirements may exist to ensure that we are designing the future state to meet the business's needs and expectations.
Not just analysing data but acting as the conduit of information!
Data is one of the most important resources for any business. But what is the value of data if it isn't converted into useful information? Of course, businesses need the right information and the right time to make great decisions, and this is where the business analyst comes in. BAs don't fear delving into data to uncover trends, insights, and more. At the end of the day, a business analyst analyses and transforms data into useful information. As a result, businesses can make more informed decisions about their change projects and the impact they will have.
Solving problems, adapting, responding and being awesome!
Business analysts, in my opinion, are those who have "boots on the ground." BAs do not simply follow what they have learned blindly; in order to deliver on projects, they look for gaps, clear paths, blockages, trends, and a variety of other approaches. This constant change can be exhausting for the average person. However, for business analysts who do this every day, the work never stops. This is why I say kudos. You deserve a special day.
Conclusion
Working alongside stakeholders, asking probing questions, adapting to change, understanding what is required in the future and conducting extensive analysis to convert data into information are all characteristics of a great business analyst. At the end of the day, a business analyst helps businesses achieve their goals - so yes, lets give these boots on the ground workers the kudos they deserve.
Happy working and learning everyone!
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