The Business Analyst as an Organizational Change Agent
Vanessa Dennison is the Owner of Dennison & Associates, providing independent business analysis services to non-profit member organizations and associations. She has 14 years' experience as a Business Analyst, including 4 years at two associations, 8 years as a Business Analyst consultant at an association software vendor, and a successful first year consulting under Dennison & Associates. She has helped dozens of organizations implement enterprise software and industry best practices, while gently influencing staff toward positive cultural change.
A Business Analyst's organizational positioning and skills are uniquely suited to facilitate cultural change within an organization from the bottom-up or middle-out. By working with staff and applying a few key skills and tools, a BA can improve day-to-day productivity, staff satisfaction, and staff adoption of organizational strategy through on the ground advocacy. With the right attitude, a BA can turn regular tasks and meetings into opportunities to move even the most resistant staff toward positive changes.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to turn any engagement into an opportunity for change
- Find and communicate "What's in it for me" for any stakeholder
- Facilitate communication between upper and lower level stakeholders