How to deliver results while operating in a gray area?

How to deliver amazing results if you are working at the intersection of business and data?

Titles vary a lot here – some are BA’s, data analysts, solution architects, etc. If you are in a role where you are driving the discussions with the business users, understanding the needs, scoping out what is possible and what needs to be created, follow this 4-step approach to be outstanding.

1. Listen – Do not interrupt; do not think of your response. Just listening to absorb as much of what is being said is critical.

2. Observe – Not all communication is verbal. Look for cues around hesitation, uncomfortable pauses, one-word response. Ask intelligent questions to dig deeper.

3. Validate – Business processes and systems change often. Analyze the data to validate what you heard. What people know from their experience may have become stale, and data may tell a different story. Share those findings back.

4. Propose – Connect other datasets, projects, initiatives, and propose new ways to solve problems, expand solutions, capabilities, etc. Let the info flow both ways. Not all need comes from the customer. Who here asked for the iPhone?