Business analysts help companies improve their processes, systems, and operations by analyzing current practices, defining business needs, and proposing solutions. In other words, business analysts (BAs) are in the business of change.
Once BAs define the problems and the solutions, they help initiate changes through careful communication and planning across the organization. Because business analysis covers the entire organization, BAs must facilitate cross-functional communications that effectively speak to the needs for change and the path forward so stakeholders at every level support the initiative.
That’s where a strong communication plan comes in.
BAs must be skilled communicators, enabled by a robust communication strategy and plan. Without buy-in from employees and leaders throughout the company, change initiatives will fall flat.
Below we’ll cover what a business analysis communication plan is, why it’s important, and best practices for developing a BA communication strategy.
Why is it important to have a communication plan?
A formal communication strategy helps business analysts communicate change requirements, project initiatives, and business needs clearly and consistently. This is an important part of the communication strategy because business analysts must be able to communicate clearly across the organization throughout the iterative change management process.
As projects and requirements evolve and different stakeholders engage in the process (or are impacted by the initiatives), communication acts as the glue that holds everything together and keeps everyone on the same page.
A communication plan provides a roadmap to guide messaging decisions and ensure that information is relayed in the right way to the right people.
In short, a strong communication plan:
- Keeps things organized
- Drives efficiency through a set process
- Ensures the communications reach the right audience
What is a business analysis communication plan?
Requirements communication is an important part of a BA’s responsibilities. Ongoing, iterative communication helps BAs convey key business requirements, findings, and recommendations throughout the business analysis process.
Business analysis and requirements communication involve numerous activities including:
- Managing conflicts
- Determining the requirements format
- Creating a requirements package
- Presenting the analysis and requirements
- Reviewing requirements
- Obtaining requirements signoff
To successfully communicate through each of these tasks, BAs need a clear communication plan.
A business analysis communication plan is a framework that helps BAs document:
- What information needs to be shared.
- Who needs to receive the information.
- When information should be delivered.
- How information will be shared (platform and setting).
- Required stakeholder actions (sign off, review, give feedback).
- Next steps after stakeholder actions.
A communication plan should outline the purpose of the communication, how those goals will be achieved, the audience, the timeline for delivery, and how results will be measured.
Use visuals to outline your communication plans and keep track of key messaging strategies. Visuals like a communication plan chart or communication matrix can help you get started.
