
3. Mindset for Effective Business Analysis
3.1 The Importance of Mindset
The Business Analysis Standard
A mindset is the mental framework that guides decision-making, behaviour, and team dynamics.
Mindset influences how we think and act in various situations. It is important to maintain a flexible, adaptable view of how business analysis can be used to create desired value. Every situation is unique, and there is no single analysis approach. There are many techniques, processes, and tools that can be used in different combinations, depending on the context.
Habits, attitudes, behaviours, and practices are required to confidently navigate situations where knowing exactly what needs to be done is impossible. An empowering mindset can be developed with a deliberate practice focused on:
- Achieving organizational outcomes
- Discovering value for stakeholders
- Adopting appropriate business analysis principles
- Deciding how to approach the work
- Actively developing foundational competencies
- Being able to use foundational techniques
- Create high-quality outcomes
- Uncover value in navigating toward those outcomes
- Prioritize focus
- Empathize with and constantly learn from impacted stakeholders
- Collaborate to build allies for change
- Assess context and adapt to realities and feedback
- Simplify the building and sharing of knowledge
