What's a Business Analyst's "What"?

I am eager to hear what others learned from their early years as a BA, so please be sure to comment.

I have learned to avoid being a know it all. I thought I was hired as a BA because I knew the right answers. In reality a mentor explained I asked the right questions. I watched a senior member of our organization continue to ask questions, when he was in a position to make decisions and demand action. But he always asked questions and in return people acted.

I tried telling people what they needed for their process, or how this process would work better if they only listened to me. (That did not work) Now I realize that if I ask enough questions (5 minimum) then I usually partner with the process end user in THEIR journey to fix their process. Analytics is a thoughtful introspective process, but my role is to make this a collaborative, human friendly ongoing cycle.

In Short be a people person, win the hearts of those you work with before you try to win any kudos for yourself. No matter how good of a process or system you design if user will not use it, then you are worse off.

Above all, I think to be good at anything, we must connect to purpose and finding worthwhile meaning in the work we do. People will not care how much you know, until they know how much you care. And I do care, I care about my work, I care about my career, and I care about my company. All because I remember what I do this for... my family, my future, etc.

Find your "what" and connect to your next projects true purpose, and you will find yourself listening and asking a lot more.

Have a wonderful day!