While many are still trapped in the traditional view of business analysis as the documentation job in the organization, the world moves rapidly towards a much bolder model, beyond an Agent of Change and closer to a Disruption Leader. We the business analysts, management consultants or advisers (despite the different labels) are in essence the igniters of disruption within the organization. Some will appreciate our fresh views while others will dread it.

The dynamics in which organizations interact internally or externally are restrained, not only by organizational bureaucracy but also by an invisible force for conformance to norms, ego conflicts, job insecurities and power struggles (I wish I could confidently say by environmental conditions or the economical climate).

This is where and when a disruption is essential, questioning the norms and challenging the status quo. Repetition is no longer the means to success but innovation and agility are. When we are repeating what others have done before, it is a clear proof of our inability to think originally. Therefore, as strategy and business analysts, we ought to have a fresh set of eyes every single day.. because our job is to identify gaps, find mistakes and resolve complexity, ultimately leading to an overall business performance improvement with significant cost reductions. I am simple person and I prefer to keep my words as simple as possible. Jargon and complexity drive me mad!

Consequently, Business Analysts as disruptors must evaluate their clients’ (business owners and sponsors) willingness to adopt new thinking, letting go of what always worked well. What works perfectly well today will not be enough tomorrow. It is that simple.

If we have reached a conviction that a change of heart and mind is an impossibility with a certain clients (business owners) or within your organization if you are an employed business analyst, walk away.. Some organizations have buried their heads in deep sand and are too deep to be lifted up. You would be wasting the most precious asset you have; your time. Not every time you are walking away you are quitting,. Some roads are just not worth taking.

Written by: Angie M. Eissa, CBAP, MSc BIT, UK Founder & Managing Partner of Business Borderlines