Business Analysis is not about blindly applying your toolbox of techniques you’ve learnt. It’s not about dropping names into a RACI matrix, rolling out an interview schedule, or dusting off a document template. This should not be your default starting approach, particularly if you want to make a difference.
Determining what kind of environment you are working in should be the very first thing you do, before any actual work commences. The Cynefin framework is a good starting point for this. Are you operating in a clear, complicated, complex, or chaotic environment? The typical BA toolbox will do well in only two of those environments. Do you know which ones? Devote some study time to finding out if you don’t know, you can thank me later.
If you’ve ever diligently and consistently applied your BA skills only to experience lacklustre results or poor outcomes, then a mismatch between approach and environment is likely. Most BA toolboxes are filled with techniques and practices best described as ‘simple, linear, deterministic’. These are most effective when addressing simple problems, and simple problems don’t usually need a BA working on them.
Good Business Analysts are usually hired into messy, complex and non-deterministic situations. Do you have an adequate toolbox for this kind of environment?