The Power of Good Questions in Business Analysis
When you think about business analysis, what’s the first skill that comes to mind? Is it problem-solving? Strategic thinking? Maybe a knack for organizing chaos? While those are all crucial, there’s one skill that every business analysis professional needs to have in spades but doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves—asking good questions.
Yep, questions. Simple, right? Not so fast.
On a recent episode of Business Analysis Live, yours truly sat down with Jamie Champagne, business analysis author, speaker, and LinkedIn Learning instructor, to talk about the art (and yes, it really is an art) of asking good questions.
The conversation was packed with practical tips, real-life examples, and some insights that might just change the way you prepare for that next workshop or stakeholder meeting. Whether you’re new to business analysis or a seasoned pro, there’s something here for everyone.
Why Good Questions Beat Good Answers
Sure, finding answers is satisfying. But Jamie makes a compelling case that what matters even more is the quality of the questions you ask to get there. A good question, she says, creates clarity, invites conversation, and sparks new ideas.
Here’s the secret sauce, according to Jamie: good questions shift the focus from you to your stakeholders. They’re a way to open a door rather than just looking for the right key. When done well, good questions drive momentum, help teams align, and create those magical "aha" moments where everything clicks. And who doesn’t love those?
“A good question doesn’t just seek information,” Jamie explains. “It gets people thinking, validating, and aligning. That’s the real power of questions.”
Leave the Script at Home
Have you ever buried yourself in a list of 20 perfectly crafted questions before a meeting, only to find that, five minutes in, they’re looking pretty mediocre? Jamie has a better idea: ditch the script and start with purpose.
Before your next stakeholder session, try asking yourself, “What am I hoping to achieve in this conversation?” Then, share that goal upfront with your stakeholders. It sets expectations and fosters trust (which is always a good thing).
Some of Jamie’s favourite conversation starters include:
- “What do you think I should know about this process?”
- “What’s something we haven’t covered yet that we should?”
- “If I haven’t asked the right question, what would you ask me instead?”
These aren’t checklist questions. They’re invitations for deeper understanding. And honestly, they often lead to insights you’d never stumble across otherwise.
Awkward Silence? Think Again
We’ve all been there. You ask a question, and the response is... well, crickets. Silence so thick you could shake hands with it. Cue awkward shift in your seat, right? Wrong!
Jamie wants you to reframe those moments of silence as small miracles. Silence doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It means you’ve given someone space to think. And thinking leads to the thoughtful, meaningful answers we all want.
If the pause stretches too long and you’re wondering if you’ve hit a dead end, Jamie has a go-to backup question that never fails: “If you could add one more thing to this conversation, what would it be?”
Pro tip? That question works wonders whether you’re collaborating in person or over video calls, when the temptation to fill every second with sound can feel overwhelming. The best questions often serve as invitations, encouraging others to share freely.
Don’t Forget the Unspeakable (No, Not That)
A big part of business analysis is uncovering hidden requirements. You know, the stuff stakeholders either assume you already know or don’t even realize matters until it’s too late.
Jamie’s approach? Ask about what’s not happening. Here’s what I mean:
- “What do you wish you could do right now but can’t?”
- “What part of this process hasn’t made it into today’s conversation?”
Oh, and don’t underestimate the power of observation. Jamie reminds us that sometimes people can’t articulate what they need—but if you watch them work, you’ll see exactly where the pain points are.
Questions Are for Everyone
If you’re thinking, “This is great, but I’m way past the point of asking questions—I’m leading teams now,” Jamie flips the script on that, too. Whether you’re collaborating with peers or presenting to senior leaders, your ability to ask strategic, thoughtful questions is just as important as knowing the answers.
And yes, occasionally, great questions can ruffle a few feathers. Jamie shared a story about asking an executive how they measured ROI on their corporate retreat. Risky? Maybe. Effective? You bet.
Just remember... word your questions carefully when treading into touchy territory. Some stones are better left unturned, if you know what I mean.
Wrap-Up: The Analyst’s Secret Weapon
Great business analysis professionals don’t just ask questions for the sake of ticking a box or two. They ask the right questions, at the right time, for the right reasons. These thoughtful questions unlock insights, build rapport, and help teams make better decisions.
Whether your next step is preparing for a discovery session, kicking off a project, or just figuring out what’s slowing down a process, remember this episode’s key takeaway: the questions you ask shape the answers you’ll get, and better answers lead to better solutions.
Strong questions are like flashlights, uncovering every mystery in the room. Weak ones are more like birthday candles—nice ambiance, but not much help for detective work.
Want More?
Dive into the full conversation with Jamie Champagne on Business Analysis Live and learn how to make good questions your superpower. If sharpening your skills, staying ahead with fresh ideas, or simply enjoying insightful dialogue sounds like your kind of thing, then Business Analysis Live is your kind of jam.
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And remember, the best insights usually start with a really good question. Keep ’em coming!
About the Author
Susan hosts Business Analysis Live to discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from the live audience. There's a backlog of upcoming topics and she's happy to take suggestions. Add a comment to one of our videos to suggest a topic you would like Susan to cover in an upcoming episode or connect with her via email at live@iiba.org.
