Because of his role in the company, his activities with leaders and different stakeholders of the projects he leads, the business analyst must show real leadership. How is this essential relational skill to be developed?
Influencing and rallying is an innate aptitude, but it can be acquired and developed by training. “Currently, the course offering is exploding,” says Xuan-Hoa Tran, teacher in specialized graduate studies in business analysis at HEC Montreal. The demand is high. Companies today are aware of their need to train a “professional who masters all the technical and relational skills needed for business analysis, including leadership,” he emphasizes. Mobilizing a team of technicians, convincing managers and collaboration is learned.
Scenarios
“In our graduate courses, in the context of scenarios, students experience how a business analyst inspires and mobilizes others and makes a practical difference in the company,” explains Xuan-Hoa Tran. Also responsible for the Business Analysis Centre of Excellence of the Mouvement Desjardins, he highlights, for example, the usefulness of group workshops, where participants practise developing systematic and critical thinking, innovating and being visionary.
Acquisition of “business skills”
Previously, project managers performed certain functions of the business analyst profession. “But without having the total skills to exercise this profession in the best way,” says Xuan-Hoa Tran. According to this expert, development of leadership begins with the acquisition of technical skills (called “profession”). A lack of leadership is also explained by an insufficient knowledge and mastery of these skills. In addition, Xuan-Hoa Tran testifies, “learning which skills to use in situ, understanding a problem and identifying opportunities for the company increases self-confidence and leadership.”
Recognition in the company
The business analyst also becomes an “influencer” by being recognized as such. As a leader, he holds his authority from other key players in the company. However, according to Xuan-Hoa Tran, the understanding of the profession and its importance remains weak. “The business analyst is sometimes limited to a tactical role of execution, while he must be seen as a strategist who offers an inspiring vision and solutions from the design phase,” says the specialist. This is where all the value added by the business analyst in the company would be found. Being recognized and given every opportunity to put it to good use strengthens your leadership within the organization.