How can you build a reputation as a trusted and respected BA?

Trust is something that you build up over time, while it can be simple to do, many people expect trust without earning it. In my opinion, this is how you gain trust; Do what you say you will do when you say you will do it, every single time. Consistently doing this will build a level of trust that will grow over time. Be transparent, always. This means that if you fail or make a mistake you must stand up and own it. Celebrate others for the contributions they make to your work. It is very rare that individuals make a significant change on their own. Rather than taking credit for everything, recognize those around you that contributed.

Know your business and create trust with your tech partners. Understand and articulate clearly what business problem are you trying to solve. Have agreement with end users on the problem.

I used to think if I had a well-designed BPMN process model or well-crafted requirements document I was delivering value. Although that helps, value is delivered in collaboration and ensuring there's clarity on what the project aims to deliver. As BAs, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that the stakeholders we engage and interact with are the ones who deliver projects and our role is to guide them on the right path.

I truly believe that when you are solving a problem for the business, that you are solving problems for people. The value is what is going to be delivered as an outcome of the project (not necessarily the project itself). So try to understand, truly understand the motivations and challenges behind the problems the PEOPLE are having. Project goals are important but the goals are there to support the needs of what people in the business and/or the customers (who are also people!) need to achieve.

To become an effective business analyst (BA), the most crucial aspect to note is the way you communicate. Open and transparent communication is important for successful collaboration within a project or an organization. Tailoring your approach to suit different stakeholders ensures that your message is effectively delivered and understood. It's important to remember that communication is not just about conveying information but also about actively listening. It helps in eliciting the core requirements of a project and enables you to gather valuable feedback, fostering a more collaborative and productive environment.

Communication is of course key, but remember to listen first. Also nowadays Communications is sometimes remote. What you can do is to ask the stakeholder to be recorded and then use AI to grab notes and share the main communications outcome with them

Business analysis is all about fostering communication and collaboration with your project team. This includes several stakeholders from various cross functional teams and backgrounds. This can mean that you have to deal with people with different personality types. Know what are the different types of personalities such as the driver, amiable, analytical and expressive. This will help you communicate effectively with different members of the team. Communication is not a one size fits all solution.

Adaptable and flexible also means to use empathy and adaptive intelligence. For the metaphor: Remember to become an actor of the role you are playing as BA in a specific project but all around you are the movie professionals that are waiting from you that you act the way they would feel like

A book that I found very useful and insightful for BAs is - Software Requirements by Karl Weigers I have found that by simply asking my team mates if there is anything I can do to make their work lives simpler and easier, it helps me build a better relationship with the people I work with closely on a daily basis. If I actually implement some solutions to make their lives easier, they will appreciate it more. Constructive criticism, suggestions and feedback are not to be taken as a sign of weakness, but as an opportunity to better yourself and professional skills

Remember this...We live in an environment characterised by rapid technological advancement and exponential growth. Here are the core principles and components often associated with Exponential Organizations (ExOs) that are central to ExO Foundations: The first is **1. Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP):** The MTP is the higher, aspirational purpose of the organization, which is more significant and encompassing than just making money. But you can discover the rest from their Website. Feedback and improvement can use Exo Principles!

An industry-leading reputation is not built overnight; it's a product of dedication, integrity, and a passion for shaping the future of your particular industry, in my case staffing. Remember, your reputation is your most valuable asset; nurture it with care, and it will propel you to unparalleled heights.

Something I’ve heard a lot of recently is shameless self promoting this isn’t to be taken as a negative term, because shamelessness can be empowering if leveraged properly. In this instance, shameless self promoting is empowering because making yourself heard is what democracy is all about. Spreading the word of your business, your ventures, successes, and even failures can bring on insurmountable opportunity if you know how to look for it. The same thing can be said for business. Often time businesses get stuck in a growth only mindset. Not slowing down or taking the time to look at the weight that is dragging them down. In short, talk about the shortcomings in your business and you might find solutions that were otherwise unclear before.

In my view, it is beneficial to engage with experienced BAs and mentors, attend industry events and conferences, and join professional associations to expand your network and gain insights. It's also important to be proactive and anticipate potential issues, addressing them before they become significant problems. Additionally, creating a portfolio of successful projects, case studies, and positive outcomes can showcase your expertise and contributions.

To be an effective business analyst (BA), it is vital to stay updated with the rapid developments in the field. Business analysis is an evolving discipline, and the tools and technologies currently in use might become obsolete in a few years. Being open to learning and embracing improvement should be a top priority. Furthermore, networking with like-minded professionals, colleagues, and peers in the field is crucial for gaining insights into and sharing knowledge of best practices.