Step forward the Business Analyst star. Taking a hard look at the soft skills as a catalyst for Business Analysis success, in the December 2008 IIBA Newsletter.

1. IIBA Newsletter
Taking a Hard Look at the our success is due to technical know-how, eighty percent
is due to the softer-side-of-life (thanks, Sig. Pareto).
Softer Side of Business Analysis What else? Look again…It’s all about people: people (us)
By Joe Newbert, BA Catalyst at BA Works work with people (executives and project teams) to
improve situations for people (users) to better service
With each sunrise and sunset it becomes more evident people (customers).
that there is no sunrise or sunset. We live in a 24/7/365
‘global village’: a civilization intertwined through a maze So, given the above, why are we stereotyped as “paper
of connectivity that merges a procession of pushers” or “document writers”? We must take
organizations, blurs the borders of countries, straddles a responsibility. We help form perceptions and create
string of time-zones, patches a quilt of cultures and situations—and what do we do when the going gets
mingles a medley of individuals. tough? We tend to seek solace in ‘technical’ solutions
(20%) allowing ourselves to sidestep the challenge of
Dizzy? Well there’s more. Through this tangled web personal accountability (80%).
we’ve woven, knowledge has been liberated and
consumers have become subject matter experts. Thus, What can you do to help better the understanding of
people are demanding constant change and, conversely, business analysis and the BA? I thought you’d never ask.
are expected to embrace others’ change at an equal Below are some basic starters for our topsy-turvy world:
pace. Within this ecosystem of endless possibilities, the
1. Balance life and manage stress
individuals best equipped to respond to this challenge
Balance work and idleness to increase energy.
are those with the talent to operate with ‘context-
Demands never cease so organize, prioritize and
independence’: the agility to perform regardless of the
learn to say ‘no’! Flee, fight or flow.
situation.
2. Really get to know people
Below are just some of the abilities that this Star Rapport breeds trust, trust builds solidarity when
possesses: times are hard. Take a genuine interest, respect
time, energy and space.
Interpersonal and group skills 3. Listen and feedback
Relationship building, active listening, empathy, Listen with purpose. Understand them; don’t expect
appreciation for different perspectives, facilitating, them to understand you. Wait your turn to speak,
conflict resolution and coaching clarify and respond.
Interpretation and perception 4. Be creative
Information processing, instinct and action to Find connections. Change your perspective. Change
reduce the impact of uncertainty habits, break patterns. Oil paint. Build a sandcastle.
Thinking and problem solving Nurture your imagination.
Critical, conceptual and creative thinking, identifying 5. Feedback and criticism
alternatives, mitigating risks, sound judgment, and Welcome it. Seek it. Evaluate it. Take it for what it is.
decision-making Don’t take it personally. Act on it. Stay exhilarated.
Communication and negotiation
Today’s world is compelling us to collaborate across
Verbal, non-verbal, written and diagrammatic skills
traditional boundaries and inspiring opportunities like
and the ability to effectively engage and convey
never before. So, soften-up and step-up Business
ideas to achieve partnerships through cooperation
Analyst. You play a powerful role in shaping
Domain and technical expertise
transformation, integrating disparity and influencing
Knowledge of industry trends, standards and
people to adopt change.
practices, business rules and processes, and IT
methodologies, tools and techniques. Joe Newbert has had a diverse career across BA, PM,
Consultant, SDLC and Operational Management both in
Do you recognize these traits? Nudge…you should!
Europe and Africa.
What’s striking about the BA skill set? Twenty percent of
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© International Institute of Business Analysis 2007. 5
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