In order to be successful within your organization, you need to have an understanding of your organization, its industry and its products and services – you need business knowledge or savvy! You want an understanding of where your role fits in the grand scheme of the organization. What do you contribute? How can you ensure the success of the organization? How can you contribute to that success? By knowing as much as you can about your organization, you gain credibility with both internal and external clients and you are seen as a leader within the organization.
Take some time to write down your answers to the following:
- Describe in a few brief sentences what your organization does and its products and services.
- Who are your organizations top 3 competitors?
- How does your organization differ itself from its competitors?
- Does your organization have to consider environmental, governmental or other regulations?
- Do you keep up with what is happening in your industry? What are your sources?
- What is your organization’s mission and vision statement?
- How do you support that mission and vision statement?
- What is important to your organization’s executive leadership team?
- What are the major concerns of your immediate manager?
- How does your work support your immediate manager and your peers/colleagues?
Can you answer these questions? If not…go get the answers! Ask your immediate manager. Do a bit of research within the organization. The more you know – the better you are able to understand your organization and support its objectives…and the more valuable you become to the organization.
