Two worlds, two mindsets

If you’ve ever sat in a meeting with both business people and developers, you know it can feel like they’re speaking completely different languages. The business team talks about revenue, customer satisfaction, and deadlines. They see the big picture and want the results fast. The IT team, on the other hand, thinks in logic, structure, and possibilities. They care about clean architecture, performance, and what’s technically realistic. Both sides are right in their own way, but they often miss each other’s point. That’s when confusion, delays, and endless revisions start creeping in. Business says, “We just need this done by Friday,” while developers reply, “That’s not how the system works.” The truth is, neither side is wrong. They just see the same problem through completely different lenses.

The analyst as a “cultural” bridge

Here’s where the business analyst truly shines – standing right in the middle, between two completely different cultures. A good analyst doesn’t just document what needs to be done, they help people truly understand each other. The analyst speaks both languages fluently: they can turn vague business goals into clear technical requirements, and translate complex IT terms into something everyone understands. But it’s not only about language, it’s also about empathy and context.

A good analyst listens carefully, asks the right questions, and digs into what people really mean, not just what they say. They build trust on both sides by showing that they understand each team’s priorities and challenges. Trust is what makes open communication possible and keeps projects moving forward. In a way, the analyst becomes a bridge that connects not only systems and processes, but also people and perspectives. And that bridge is built not on code or strategy, but on communication, understanding, and respect.

Interested in becoming a business analyst? Explore relevant Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at ITMO University. 

Tools of the modern translator

To be a great "translator" between business and tech, an analyst needs more than just technical knowledge. They need a balanced mix of tools, soft skills, and emotional intelligence.

• Active listening is the first and most underrated skill. It means focusing on not only what people say, but also how they say it. Sometimes a small hesitation or a change in tone can reveal uncertainty or disagreement that needs to be clarified before it turns into a bigger issue. Great analysts listen for both facts and feelings, making sure every voice in the room is heard and understood.
• Clear communication comes next. The analyst acts as a messenger between people who think and speak differently. They must explain technical ideas in plain, relatable language for business stakeholders, while translating business goals into concrete, logical tasks for developers. This skill prevents confusion, saves time, and helps both sides feel confident that they are working toward the same result.
• Visualization is another powerful tool in the analyst’s arsenal. Diagrams, mockups, mind maps, and user stories transform abstract discussions into something visible and shared. When everyone sees the same picture, alignment happens faster. A single process diagram can often clarify what dozens of meetings could not.
• And of course, documentation is where everything comes together. Well-written and structured documents capture not only what was decided but also why it was decided. They serve as a reference point throughout the project and ensure that knowledge is not lost when teams change or new members join them. Good documentation builds continuity and trust.

Finding harmony between business and tech

In the end, it’s not the systems or tools that make a project succeed, it’s the people who understand each other and work toward a common goal. And if the analyst can make that understanding possible, that’s where the true value of their work begins: in creating harmony between business logic and technical reality. This balance leads to smarter decisions, fewer misunderstandings, and a stronger sense of teamwork. The analyst’s greatest strength lies in helping both worlds realize they’re not so different after all. Both want the same thing: a solution that works, delivers value, and makes life easier for people.

Written by Evgeniya Sotnikova