When the business analyst shows up with their specification (via whichever approach), it always takes the shape of a promise: “If you do X, you will get Y.” That promise is often obscured. It can be accidentally side-barred or unwittingly camouflaged, but all useful business analysis makes a promise.
The promise isn’t the same as a guarantee. It’s more like, “If this works for you, you’re likely to achieve…”
And so we can invite stakeholders on a journey to a better place. Or promise that if they change the pattern, they’ll begin to relieve the tension. Or that the enriched role will offer them new possibility … We’re not talking about objectives here, but these objectives give you an insight into the kind of promise I’m talking about.
“Reduce the number of abandoned baskets,” is a promise about customers.
“More desirable features,” is a promise about quality and growth.
“Respond to enquiries faster,” is a promise about productivity.
“Products that satisfy stakeholder needs,” is a promise about reputation.
“More meaningful contribution,” is a promise about employee satisfaction.
Your promise is directly affiliated with the change you seek to make, and it’s directed to the people you seek to change.