No matter the industry, modern professionals need to continuously improve themselves and work on up skilling and re-skilling to maintain satisfactory success within their field.
This is particularly important in areas such as business analysis where practitioners should be able to understand the business needs of an organisation, drive the change, and come up with solutions that will deliver business value.
Furthermore, business analysis projects often require onboarding less experienced analysts and involvement from personnel with skillsets different from traditional BAs.
So, business analysts are increasingly expected not only to excel in their primary roles and have a firm grasp of typical BA tools and techniques but also to uplift the capabilities of those around them.
A successful business analyst needs to master the ability to disseminate knowledge, information, and insights and also be capable of supporting the professional learning and development of their less experienced colleagues.
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However, not every BA has the talent, confidence, or skillset needed to pass their abilities and understanding of business analysis process onto the others.
These traits are not something that always comes naturally and usually require additional effort and training.
One of the most effective ways of achieving this is by taking part in Train the Trainer (TTT) programs, which serve to equip business analysts with the tools, competence, and confidence to train others and help them raise their ability levels.
Participating in these kinds of programs can bring numerous benefits to individual business analysts and advance their careers, but also improve the team’s capabilities and raise the level of competence and communication across the entire organisation.
What is the Train the Trainer Program?
Train the Trainer or TTT training model is a program whose primary purpose is to prepare professionals who are subject matter experts to effectively teach and pass their knowledge to others.
It allows for a wider distribution of skills and knowledge, strengthening the capabilities of various team members or organisation employees who are involved in certain projects.
It’s a concept popular across various industries, but almost tailor-made for the field of business analysis as it’s a profession where learning new concepts and techniques is the key to successful performance.
The TTT model provides an opportunity for trainees to learn new skills but, at the same time, to master the ability to teach others and help them acquire this new knowledge.
This can help create a sustainable system for increasing the level of competency and professional development across the entire team or organisation.
By the time they finish the TTT program, subject matter experts from the field of business analysis should also significantly improve their communication capabilities, leadership skills, listening, and emotional intelligence, which will not only help them pass their knowledge but also become better in their primary role as business analysts.
The wide range of training techniques, best practices, and new ways of harnessing technology to teach and communicate will come in more than handy when handling a typical business analysis project.
Benefits of the Train the Trainer Program for Business Analysts and Organisations
As we already noted, the TTT model of training for business analysts provides a multitude of advantages that can have a positive impact both for individuals and organisations.
Improving Individual Skills
Most business analysts already possess a wealth of experience and knowledge in areas such as process improvement, requirements elicitation
, or data analysis.
Participating in the Train the Trainer programs offer them a chance to further improve their capabilities and work on skills that may not be their strongest suit.
Enhancing skills such as teaching, communication, and presentation is vital if they are to become good trainers and help others improve.
Furthermore, these skills are extremely useful for any business analyst no matter the particular area they work in, and will strengthen their overall professional profile.
In addition, one of the best ways to learn is to teach it to someone else, so business analysts can use TTT programs to hone the skills they already possess.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities
In order to be a successful trainer and teach others, one must have a deep understanding of the subject matter.
In the case of business analysts who are looking to become trainers, this includes breaking down complex concepts and adapting to the different learning styles of their trainees.
As they look to teach their trainees, business analysts working as trainers will probably encounter new situations and have the opportunity to meet new perspectives and answer a range of questions which will help them expand their own knowledge base and master the subject matter even more.
During this process, they are likely to strengthen their analytical skills which makes them better problem solvers which is one of the key traits in business analysis.
Career Advancement
A good business analyst is an important asset to any organisation. An analyst who also possesses training skills is even more valuable.
Going through the TTT program and successfully completing it opens multiple new avenues for career growth and provides new job opportunities.
Business analysts with this type of skillset can take on roles such as mentors, coaches, or lead analysts that typically come with increased responsibilities and higher compensation.
In addition, after completing the Train the Trainer program, business analysts can offer commercial training programs themselves, which can provide a new revenue stream.
Keeping up with the Latest Trends in the Field
Effectively teaching others is not possible without staying up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the subject field.
So, business analysts who take up this career route are usually committed to continuous learning to stay current and in touch with recent tendencies in business analysis, as that is the only way they can pass relevant knowledge to their trainees.
Improving Team Capabilities
When working on a project, business analysts will probably operate as a part of a team consisting of fellow BAs, but also often include other stakeholders involved in the particular project.
With skills gained through the TTT program, a business analyst can create a culture of knowledge sharing and learning within their team.
BAs who can train their colleagues can play a crucial role in creating a more productive and collaborative work environment which is always beneficial for everyone involved and leads to better performance throughout the organisation.
Cost Effectiveness and Consistency of Information
For organisations that employ in-house business analysts, Train the Trainer programs present a great opportunity to cut down the training costs and, at the same time, increase the level of competency within the company.
An organisation can use the TTT model to make subject matter experts of its employees and use them to train other employees which is much cheaper than hiring outside experts to create and lead the training.
Additionally, having your own employees capable of conducting the training and teaching others allows for simultaneous learning and much more efficient dissemination of information and knowledge.
Plus, as the same experts first receive the training and then train the others, employees throughout the organisation learn the same skills and receive the same information, ensuring that the training curriculum is consistent and standardised.
This way, the entire learning process within the organisation is sped up and streamlined to better suit the modern business environment.
Structure and Requirements of Train the Trainer Program for Business Analysts
To get the most out of their participation in the Train the Trainer, business analysts should seek training organised by IIBA-endorsed education providers and learn the train the trainer approach.
This will make sure that the structure and curriculum of the program are in line with IIBA certificates and based on the best BABOK practices and principles.
Another advantage of this type of program is that attendees will receive PD hours necessary for various IIBA certifications.
One of the most reputable IIBA-endorsed TTT programs is offered by Business Analysis Excellence and features two levels of the Train the Trainer program.
The Level 1 – Foundation Business Analysis Trainer provides a basic understanding of adult learning and covers foundational business analysis training, along with a comprehensive overview of the BA techniques. The attendees on this level must hold an ECBA™ certification and have at least two years of practical experience in business analysis.
The next level, Level 2 – Advanced Business Analysis Trainer covers the more advanced BA concepts and is mostly built around case studies, helping you gain practical knowledge and learn about actual applications of the techniques you will teach. The candidates at this level must first complete Level 1 and hold a CBAP certification.
Who are the Perfect Candidates for Train the Trainer Program for Business Analysts?
As we already explained, most Train the Trainer programs are intended for business analysts, especially those endorsed by IIBA, and require some level of IIBA certification and a certain amount of practical business analysis experience.
However, even when fulfilling these prerequisites, not every business analyst is a perfect candidate for this type of training.
Ideally, candidates for TTT programs for business analysts should possess the following qualities:
- Solid Subject Matter Knowledge – A business analyst can hardly become a successful trainer without having a deep understanding of the field and the most common practices and concepts. The TTT model is built on the expertise and knowledge of its trainers, so strong subject matter knowledge is necessary to effectively teach others. Before enrolling in the Train the Trainer program, a business analyst should have a solid foundation in basic BA skills and concepts, including requirements elicitation, data analysis, process improvement, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.
- Good Communication Skills – To be able to clearly convey the information to potential trainees, a business analyst going this route must be an effective communicator. Especially considering that they will likely have to adapt to different learning styles during the training. Solid communication skills should help lead the discussions and keep everyone in the group on the same page.
- Positive Attitude and Empathy – Effective teaching is not possible without being able to understand the different needs of learners and exhibiting patience with each of the trainees. In addition, successful trainers are typically those who have a generally positive attitude and are willing to help others.
- Leadership Potential – An ideal candidate for the TTT program is one who is willing to take on responsibility and leadership within the organisation. This ensures that the trainer is likely to be a person who commands respect and can serve as a role model for trainees.