Modesty appears to be a very common trait amongst BAs. Few BAs actively seek the limelight, instead many practitioners seem to take quiet satisfaction in seeing their work contribute to an overall outcome that is positive for their organisation and stakeholders. Business analysis could be described as an important component of the 'cement' that binds successful change initiatives together. And much like cement, when it's working well it's somewhat invisible. It would be rather unusual to hear an observer comment on the lovely cement and sand that is holding the bricks together on a house…

Yet if the cement fails, or if the mixture with other components isn't right, things will start to fall apart. This is true on projects too—however great a BA team is, if there isn't the relevant support and collaboration from other professions, we can find ourselves backed into a corner. Never more is this the case than when unrealistic and arbitrary deadlines are imposed, which often seems to coincide with an 'urgent' need to implement a solution (without conducting sufficient analysis).

Don't Let Scope Drift

When the pressure is on, and when an imposed and 'urgent' deadline is pressing, it might seem tempting to stay focused, and just get on with delivering. Indeed there are cases where this is the best approach, but there are many others when this might significantly backfire. If a solution is 'imposed' without sufficient analysis or thought, there is a real danger that it won't achieve the outcomes that the stakeholders hope for. Even worse, it's likely that different stakeholders will have completely different perspectives over what the outcomes should be anyway—meaning scope will slowly drift. If an external vendor is involved, they may have (quite understandably) assumed things will be straightforward. This is the perfect storm for a painful project that will go over-budget, over-time and under-benefit. It might even be suggested that the issue is with the requirements… even though the root cause was completely outside of the control of the BAs.

Stand Up and Be Heard

This is an example where being bold isn't optional. It has often been said that modesty is a virtue, and in some contexts it might be, but these are situations where professional BA practitioners need to stand up, speak out and be counted. Respectful challenge and empathetic dissent are crucial skills for any project practitioner—if a bus was heading towards a brick wall, anyone on the bus (whether a passenger, ticket inspector or supervisor) ought to feel comfortable shouting out what they see and what they think ought to be done ("steer right!"). The same is true in a professional environment. We might not save a physical bus, but we might save a whole lot of money, resources and anguish. 

Business analysis practitioners focus on a holistic view of the situation. This involves zooming out and considering the macro-level environment as well as micro-level issues too. BAs have a unique perspective and are well placed to perceive risks before they become issues. This enables practitioners to ask challenging questions of practitioners, to uncover tacit assumptions and help anticipate and understand underlying needs or problems.

Prove the Value of the Business Analyst Role

Acting boldly involves one reality that is hard to accept: it often means periods of unpopularity. Particularly where political games are being played, those acting boldly (and with integrity) often uncover things that some stakeholders would prefer remained hidden. Perhaps the business case has benefits that are 'double-counted', or perhaps the business case doesn't even exist. Either way, as professional practitioners we do our organisations a disservice if we do not take courage and raise the issue.

Others will start to notice what is happening, and will start to understand the breadth of the BA role (rather than thinking BAs are 'something to do with requirements'). The 'invisible cement' is made visible, and the credibility of the BA role is elevated. Whilst it might be uncomfortable in the short term, surely it's worth it in the long run?

Are you interested in updating your BA toolkit or training for a professional certification? Check out AssistKD's wide choice of business analysis courses.