Understand your business

Over the years, I have worked for many sectors of industry.   Distribution, Government, Consumer products, Insurance, Telecom and being a project manager at each business is extremely different in what the job entails.  The one common thread among all sectors is the expectation that you understand your business.   How do you understand your business?

First off, Ask questions.  It sounds simple but you will find yourself not knowing the questions to ask on Day 1, 2 or 90.  Your understanding of the business should grow and the types of questions should change.  Asking a question is not a sign of ignorance or skill level.

Second.    This is the hardest.  Listen.  You don't have to ask a question to get an education.  Sometimes you just need to listen to what the business is talking about or IT is talking about.   Eat lunch with different folks and listen to what they discuss.

Third.  Read what's available.   Sharepoint, project plans, who is the business representative.  Who are the architects?   What is the project cadence?  What's on an agenda?   What developement methodology is IT using?   Try to find the acronym chart.   Man does Telecom have a ton of acronyms.  I couldn't tell whether the acronym was network device or a business unit.   Read.

Attend as many meetings as possible to get acclimated.   Perhaps its an HR meeting where you learn company culture.  Perhaps another teams project meeting where you see their cadence.   Be present.  Meet people.  Let them know that you are there because you never know when your next project will be with one of your new best friends.