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- How Business Acumen Shows Up in Your Day-to-Day
You might be practising it without realising it. But becoming intentional is where the growth happens.
You show business acumen when you…
Flag a delay early because you understand how it affects not just your project, but sales or production.
Propose a smaller scope that delivers 80% of the value for 50% of the cost.
Challenge a request by asking, “What’s the return on this investment?”
Recommend a supplier not because they’re the cheapest, but because they reduce long-term downtime.
These are all signs of someone who thinks beyond their role and starts thinking like an owner.
Table of Contents
Three Simple Ways to Build It
Here’s how I continue to sharpen my business acumen—without an MBA or finance degree:
Learn to Read Between the Lines in Meetings
When leaders talk about margins, market share, and productivity, listen for what it means for your area. Ask yourself: What pressure are they under? What problem are they trying to solve?Read the Business Reports
Start with your company’s annual report, strategic plans, or investor presentations (if available). Even internal updates often reveal where the company is headed.Ask Better Questions
Instead of just “What should I do?” try:
• What does success look like for the business?
• What’s the cost of doing nothing?
• How will this impact the customer experience or operations?
The Shift That Changed My Career
When I stopped focusing only on delivering projects and started showing how they impacted the business, everything shifted.
I went from being known as someone who executes to someone who influences outcomes.
From getting things done to driving the business forward.
That’s the difference between being a contributor and being a trusted partner in decision-making.
Parting Thought
If you want more influence at work, speak the language of impact.
Because the people who rise are the ones who connect the dots between work and value.
P.S. Every week, I break down ideas like this into practical, relatable steps you can apply at work.
If you haven’t already, subscribe for free here.
See you next Saturday!