For the last five years I've kept a running log of things I've learned about this job. Maybe it's useless, but here it is anyway.
People
Often the only real difference between success and failure is being able to talk fluently about the client's organisation and where people fit into the structure. It makes you less of an outsider to the client.
Which means you may need to go to meetings even if you don’t need to, just to understand these people.
And try to keep a running org chart of the people you meet and how they fit together.
Preparation
Being prepared / pre-aligned for important meetings is everything. Don't assume you can wing it.
Staying ahead of the client / work coming down the pipe will help you avoid a world of pain.
Be prepared to voiceover slides you’ve written. Don’t get caught out by thinking someone else will present them, even if they said they would.
Actually read the team's draft deliverables, so that you are able to defend the ideas if you need to.
Language
So much of this job is about using colourful idiom to describe simple things
Master the language in every way. Openly steal good phrases from other people.
Recognise how little value is placed on direct, literal answers. Most of this is child's play and the client doesn't want to be reminded of that.
Speak up more! Don’t wait for a fully formed, complete thought before speaking. No one else does.
Questions I try to ask myself every morning
Meetings
Am I prepared for the key meetings today?
Do I know where the people am I meeting sit in their org chart?
Work in progress
Does my manager know what I’m working on today?
Have I had this work product signed off yet?
Am I working on getting an early baseline as quickly as possible?
Planning
Am I thinking ahead and acting ahead of the curve?
Have I taken a moment to detach and think what should I be focusing on?
To do list
Do I have a fresh to do list of what I’m doing today?
Final thoughts
1. Cluster tasks together, cluster meetings together, either do one or the other - this never happens.
2. Deal with incoming short-term tasks instantly to avoid extra clutter.
3. Identify your most important taks and do it first.
4. Work from the calendar, not a to do list - this never happens.
5. Do now what you promise you’ll do later – don’t trust your future self – and embrace the imperfect.
6. On everything - work, meetings, workshops - take a moment to visualise it first, then actually go and do it.