Business Analysis - 6 Categories of Underlying Competencies
Underlying Competencies reflect knowledge, skills, behaviors, characteristics, and personal qualities that help one successfully perform the role of the business analyst. These are grouped into 6 categories:
1. Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving skills are required for business analysts to analyze problems and opportunities effectively, identify which changes may deliver the most value, and work with stakeholders to understand the impact of those changes.
- Creative Thinking
- Decision Making
- Learning
- Problem Solving
- Systems Thinking
- Conceptual Thinking
- Visual Thinking
2. Behavioral Characteristics skills allow a business analyst to gain the trust and respect of stakeholders. Business analysts do this by consistently acting in an ethical manner, completing tasks on time and to expectations, efficiently delivering quality results, and demonstrating adaptability to changing needs and circumstances.
- Ethics
- Personal Accountability
- Trustworthiness
- Organization and Time Management
- Adaptability
3. Business Knowledge is required for the business analyst to perform effectively within their business, industry, organization, solution, and methodology. Business knowledge enables the business analyst to better understand the overarching concepts that govern the structure, benefits, and value of the situation as it relates to a change or a need.
- Business Acumen
- Industry Knowledge
- Organization Knowledge
- Solution Knowledge
- Methodology Knowledge
4. Communication Skills
- Verbal Communication
- Non-Verbal Communication
- Written Communication
- (Active) Listening
5. Interaction Skills are represented by the business analyst's ability to relate, cooperate, and communicate with different kinds of people including executives, sponsors, colleagues, team members, developers, vendors, learning and development professionals, end users, customers, and subject matter experts (SMEs).
- Facilitation
- Leadership & Influencing
- Teamwork
- Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
- Teaching
6. Tools & Technology
- Office Productivity Tools & Technology
- Business Analysis Tools & Technology
- Communication Tools & Technology