Embarking on my journey as a Business Strategy Manager, I’ve learned and practiced two skills that stand as the bedrock of success — Generalization and Project Management. These two skills have empowered me to tackle complex challenges with a holistic approach and have proven invaluable in steering projects towards success, and today I would like to share with you!
1. Generalization: Crafting Solutions Beyond the Surface
In my point of view, Generalization means synthesizing information from multiple sources, presenting a boarden problem that is relevant to the Business and when solved will have a tangible impact. This lack of skill will cause me to fall into tactics and handle trivial problems, wasting time and resources without achieving significant results. It takes generalization along with overall strategy and excellent execution thinking to ensure I don’t stray from reality or build things that exceed the needs of the business.
Here are some practical tips I apply at work every day.
- Diversify my sources of information: Don’t limit yourself to a single perspective. Explore a variety of channels, from industry reports to informal conversations, to gain comprehensive insights.
- Connect the dots: Look for patterns and connections between seemingly disparate pieces of information. This habit allows you to identify overall trends and issues that may not be obvious at first glance.
- Ask the right questions: Challenge assumptions and ask probing questions. This not only helps you understand more deeply, but also encourages others to think critically, enriching the source of information.
- Strategic implementation thinking: Generalization is not limited to the theoretical field. Develop a mindset towards implementing strategies effectively, ensuring that your broad solutions translate into tangible results.
2. Project Management: Orchestrating Success with Precision
As a Business Manager, the ability to get things done efficiently is paramount. I haven’t needed to hold a PM role nor do I need to manage all the small details. But I must have this skill to understand who does what, how they contribute, how their scope affects the overall project to balance expectations, time and effort between parties to keep a harmonious and open collaboration. My understanding of the SOW and progress, in addition to business information, will help everyone stay on the same page, engaged, and on task with a common goal. The entire project will go quickly, smoothly and grow together.
Here are some practical tips I’ve gathered on mastering project management:
- Understanding Stakeholder dynamics: Take time to understand the strengths and contributions of each project member. Knowing who excels in what areas will help in assigning tasks strategically, optimizing overall project performance.
- Scope clarity and balancing act: Clearly define the scope of each member and how it aligns with the overall project. Regularly reassess and balance workloads to ensure everyone is contributing optimally without feeling overwhelmed.
- Effective communication: Communication is the glue that holds projects together. Regular check-in, updates, transparent discussions, and a willingness to listen foster a collaborative environment, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
- Open mindset: Cultivate a culture of sharing, listening and empathy so that every member can feel comfortable contributing to the project and coming up with unique, landmark ideas.
The journey of being a Business Manager has never been easy, but there are always sweet things along this path, helping me grow and become more resilient. In essence, the synergy of Generalization and Project Management allows me to navigate complexity, steer clear of distractions and fostering an working environment where my colleagues and I can thrive together.
I am pleased to hear your gifts, please share it in the comments section. Thank you for reading!
