Authentic Global Solutions

TOP SKILLS FOR BA’s IN AN EVOLVING DOMAIN

Business and technology is constantly evolving, and the role of Business Analysts (BAs) has grown significantly in importance. Business Analysts serve as a crucial link between technology and business, helping organisations find solutions to business problems and also helping them make well-informed decisions to accomplish their objectives.
Several skills are pivotal for Business Analysts to address the significant challenges businesses face in an ever-evolving landscape. A BA’s capacity to analyse intricate information, recognise trends, and offer strategic recommendations has become indispensable in navigating today’s dynamic business environment. Aspiring Business Analysts must acquire and integrate specific vital skills to thrive in their careers. This blog delves into some essential Business Analyst skills, providing insights into how they contribute to successful career advancement and offering guidance on enhancing these capabilities.

Communication

It includes active listening. To solve a problem, you must first hear it and understand it. An ability to listen well can significantly improve the outcomes of our interaction. Hence complete communication (listening actively and conveying your points). If you are interested in learning more about communication or active listening, see my posts on the topic:

Are you listening?

Communicate with Impact

Stakeholder management

I like to call this relationship management or relationship building. Often business analysts have no organisational power, yet you need to get things done. Your ability to build relationships within the organisation will serve you well in getting things done. You will need to know who has power or influence within your domain, and you will do well to understand them and be able to satisfy them accordingly, meaning you’ll need to get to know them, including what their interests are. Get to know them and authentically connect with them. This will help you build trust. When people trust you, then you can more easily influence them. Stakeholders can make or break your outcomes as a Business Analyst; therefore, build relationships with your stakeholders.

Influence

Influence goes hand in hand with Stakeholder management and relationship building. Influence is a huge part of leadership and one of the main competencies of a Business Analyst. Often, a BA is required to influence an outcome without formal power. Being able to influence effectively combines a range of other skills – communication, confidence, persuasion, negotiation, empathy (being able to connect with people on a personal level), trust – to name a few.

Problem solving

The primary role of the business analyst is to solve business problems, so it’s not surprising this is a top skill for any BA to have. A business analyst needs to be able to handle difficult situations and complex business challenges. To excel in problem-solving, you will need to pay attention to detail, have an eye for identifying opportunities or new ways of doing things, have a flair for delivering improvements, seeking time and cost-saving opportunities, as these are often some of the biggest challenges businesses face today.

Analytical approach/thinking

It’s called analysis for a reason. An analytical approach is a close relative of problem-solving and requires you as a Business Analyst to be creative. You should be able to deploy a range of tools and techniques in problem-solving. An analytical approach involves looking at a problem through various lenses. You will need to be open-minded to excel with this skill.

Adaptable

You may have heard the saying: “The only constant is change.” The business environment is constantly changing, making adaptability a top skill for a Business Analyst to have. It would help if you were flexible and willing to try new things, even the unconventional. Being able to fill in gaps, stretch your capabilities, and create new ways of achieving your goal will be critical.

Domain Knowledge

Every business domain has its peculiarities and challenges. Understanding this will prepare you well to excel in the business domain. Put some effort into learning about the domain.

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