Interpersonal skills are important to the work of the systems analyst. Despite the importance of the relationship between IT professionals, such as the systems analyst, and users, such as business managers, the bond can be contentious. A popular joke lampoons the opinions they sometimes hold: A hot-air balloonist was lost, so he called down to a man on the ground for help. Excuse me, do you know where I am? he asked. Youre in a balloon, the man on the ground replied. You must work in an IT department, the balloonist said. Youre right! How did you know? asked the man on the ground. What youve told me is technically correct, said the balloonist, but its of no practical use. You must be a business manager, the man on the ground said. How did you know? asked the balloonist. Well, said the man on the ground, you dont know where you are and you dont know where youre going. We just met, but somehow already everything is my fault!

• Discuss why a systems analyst has to act as a translator. What people and/or groups would be involved?
• Are top managers likely to be more effective if they have IT experience? Why or why not?
• Should the IT director report to the company president, or somewhere else? Why?