Every day you go to work and do what you have to do. I am sure you will spare no effort to do your best and it’s already very good, but have you ever thought about the fact that your work truly is in a much wider context? Few people take the time to understand the sector in which they work. They perform daily tasks entrusted to them and go home without asking any question. It is perfect if you’re happy with your lot, but is this the right attitude if you want to move forward?

Get a grip

Those who understand the situation as a whole are better employees:

• They get the customer

• They get the supplier

• They understand the market

• They understand the story

• They get the product

• They know the mission.

Would you date this person in your ranks, one that is not content simply to do his work but who understands how important the work is?

When you know your business, you often see it as part of a greater whole and then give yourself a greater share of the success of your business.

Know the game

Learn everything you can. Learn about the decisions that are made. You must know the history of the company:

• It’s infancy

• What led to its creation?

• It’s most difficult moments

• It’s best customers

• It’s competitors.

Learn more

Make an appointment with people who will advise you:

• Talk to veterans of the business and tap into their knowledge

• Talk to senior managers in other divisions

• Talk to your seniors.

See these conversations as interviews, but tell your audience that you are interviewing. Tell them you want to talk to them to learn to do your job better.

Mentors matter

First, discuss with these people, as they would expect you to. Respect their importance and their level of knowledge and the fact that they are happy to spend time answering you. Organise your meetings, saying, “I like to better understand our work at all to raise mine. Would you give me some time?” Then you need to prepare for these talks. You must present yourself as a conscientious and responsible. Make a list of questions before meeting with your colleagues.

Q and A

Some of the questions you can ask are:

• Can you tell me the story of our business so I can better understand my role?

• Can you tell me what has been our greatest achievement?

• Can you tell me about the difficult times experienced by the company?

• Where do we want to be in five years?

• Is there something you could tell me and help me do my job better?

Valuable insights

Now that you have these valuable data, you must use them with insight. How you use them is very important. Do not tell everyone that you met all these important members of the company.

Use what you’ve learned to differentiate yourself in meetings. Use the links you’ve created to build relationships with other colleagues in the business. Use the information to do your job better and show that the success of the company really wants you to heart.