What Makes a Good Business Analyst

What Makes a Good Business AnalystThere are several key points one needs tounderstand before deciding whether or not tobecome a business analyst. You may be qualifiedto do the job you were hired to do. Yet is it thejob you wanted to do? Some analysts findthemselves locked in a cubical writing reportsall day, only to find the report was not used oreven read. They realize they are in a dead endjob going no-where fast. This is not the usualdream one has when becoming a business analyst.

A good business analyst is creative, a peopleperson. Someone wanting a more hands on approachto business and problem solving. The goodbusiness analyst will look for opportunities togrow and learn. He or she will listenattentively to what others are saying. The goodbusiness analyst is like a walking encyclopediaabout the company he or she works within. Theywill know people from every department.The good business analyst may be a part of the ITteam or department. He or she may even be ableto produce usable code for practical remedies tosmall tasks. He or she will understandtechnology and the jargon that leaves the commonlayperson confused.What makes a good business analyst is the abilityto listen to what is being said and hear what isnot. The good business analyst can read into themeaning of stakeholders words. He or she can

understand the needs being expressed when thestakeholders do not always know what they are.The good business analyst will be able todetermine if the requests from stakeholders orend users are viable. In some cases they are notand it is up to the business analyst to inform whatcan be done versus what is wanted.The good business analyst will have informationavailable about the latest technology. He or shewill know the formulas or programs used bycorporate peers. The good business analyst willbe able to recognize trends and differentiatebetween them and fads. They will understand theend user market.The good business analyst will understand people.He or she will be a motivational person who cangear people into wanting to complete a project.The good business analyst will be able to pointout someone's strengths and help to build on those.He or she will recognize when a person is having

a conflict and try to help resolve the issue. Heor she may even be able to create teamwork withinseparate departments to meet a goal or deadline.The good business analyst commands respectbecause he or she gives respect. You will notfind the good business analyst spreading rumorsor gossiping. He or she will squelch the firstsigns of trouble and stand up for what he or shebelieves in. There is no room for garbage in theoffice.The good business analyst is a visionary, acreative thinker, and innovative. He or she is funto work with and carries a positive attitude.Very few people do not like the good businessanalyst.