How to Thrive as a Junior Business Analyst in a Team of Seasoned Professionals?

As half Indonesian (and half Dutchman), I strongly believe in Indonesia’s national motto of ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’, which translates to ‘Unity in Diversity’. At Acorel, as the first junior member of the Business Consultancy team, I’ve learned that our diverse backgrounds bring fresh perspectives.

This belief in ‘Unity in Diversity’ has guided me in developing a sequential approach that I call the ALI model – Ask, Listen, Initiate. Through the ALI model, I’ve found a way to navigate myself in a team of seasoned professionals. In this blogpost, I will explain to you how I use the ALI model to ask thoughtful questions, actively listen to insights from my colleagues, and take initiative in contributing to our team’s success.

The ALI Model

Ask

The first step in the ALI model is to ask thoughtful questions. As a junior member of the team, I’ve found that asking questions not only demonstrates willingness to learn but also helps uncover valuable insights and perspectives from my more experienced colleagues. These questions can cover a wide range of topics, from project-related questions aimed at clarifying objectives or understanding requirements, to personal development questions seeking advice on improving skills or navigating career growth.

Listen

A logical follow up in the model is obviously to actively listen to the answers given on the questions you asked. The keyword in my previous sentence is ‘actively’. Actively listening goes beyond simply hearing the words spoken; it involves being fully present and engaged in the conversation. This includes making eye contact, nodding to show you’re listening, and asking follow-up questions to learn more. By actively listening, I’ve learned a lot from my colleagues and built better relationships with them.

Initiate

The final step in the ALI model is to initiate action based on the insights gained from asking questions and actively listening. Taking initiative is crucial for demonstrating proactivity and contributing to the team’s success. Initiating action can take various forms, including for instance volunteering for new tasks and proposing new solutions to existing processes. By taking ownerships of tasks, you not only showcase your abilities but also your commitment to the team. Lastly, taking on new challenges also provides opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

Thriving as a junior business analyst in a team of seasoned professionals requires a combination of humility, curiosity, and ownership. Through asking thoughtful questions, actively listening to insights from my colleagues, and taking initiative in driving positive change, I’ve not only expanded my own skills and knowledge but also fostered stronger relationships within the team. I hope I was able to inspire you to apply the ALI model yourself, even if you are not in a ‘junior’ position. Moreover, the ALI model always reminds me of Indonesia’s motto ‘unity in diversity,’ showing how powerful it is to embrace various perspectives.

Useful Links

Do you wonder what the role is of a business analyst? Then read the following blogpost: Driving your customer experience with the business analyst – Acorel

Do you wonder how we as business analysts gain useful insights in the field of business analysis? Then read the following blogpost: Studying the BABOK: what is in it for you? – Acorel