Two of the most common questions new BRMs ask are “Where do I begin?” and “What should I do first?”
The first few months of beginning your BRM career or setting up a BRM capability can be tricky, and it can seem a little overwhelming to orient yourself within the vast amount of knowledge available from BRM Institute.
The following tips and tricks can not only help you get off the ground with a flying start, but they can serve as a constant guide towards success in your career as a BRM.
Document your notes.
This may seem obvious, but when you begin you will no doubt be inundated with information from both the business and the business partner about what they do, how they do it, and what they have planned for the future. Work out a clear documentation process that works across your capability, so that everyone is on the same page.
Don't try to do everything at once.
The label of “strategic partner” is earned, not handed over. This means that the process of becoming a strategic partner takes time and effort. It pays to be patient and time your new process implementations to support your business function. Don’t rush in putting in the high-level strategic planning meetings without ensuring the groundwork has been done first.
Ensure a solid base of reliable service delivery.
Again, the groundwork matters. Senior managers will not want to strategize with you if you represent a mess of service delivery. Once you’ve established this level of trust, you can then look to progress in maturity.
Take the time to review and reflect.
It’s often all too easy to plan ahead and push for more without taking the time to look back and assess accomplishments and challenges. When your BRM capability takes the time to look back, it paves the way to a more successful future.
Balance, balance, balance.
The life of a BRM is a constant balancing act between the partner and the business. It’s common to fall into the trap of focusing too much on the needs of one side or the other, so it’s critical to be mindful of this and alter your behavior in order to become a trusted strategic partner.
Make time for outside learning.
While this is critical to success in any career, continued education is particularly valuable for BRMs who strive to develop themselves and their BRM capability. Get started by reading books from BRM Institute’s Bookshelf and engaging with other BRMs on the Online Campus, which is probably the most essential resource for any new BRM. There you can find answers to challenges you may be facing from peers who have already gone through similar situations, and you could even share your own ideas alongside industry experts on a global scale.
Do you have tips of your own to share with beginner BRMs? Leave them in the comments below to continue the conversation.
Jeremy Byrneis a Business Relationship Manager (BRM) for Loughborough University and has worked at the University for over 12 years across multiple teams within the IT Services department. Jeremy helped to create the BRM role within his organisation and has ensured its success as it has grown to encompass all areas of the University. He is an active member of Business Relationship Management Institute and serves as a vice chair of the BRM Council. Jeremy holds certifications in ITIL® and BRMP® and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Information Systems, as well as a Master’s in Management and Leadership in Higher Education.
These tips are gold. it is very easy to get pulled into the day to day task management without occasionally stepping back to take a breath and refocus.
Is it possible to get a softcopy so I can stick it on my wall.
Hi Jeremy,
These tips are gold. it is very easy to get pulled into the day to day task management without occasionally stepping back to take a breath and refocus.
Is it possible to get a softcopy so I can stick it on my wall.
Steve
Hi Steve,
I’m the Managing Editor here at BRMI, and I’d be happy to send you a PDF of Jeremy’s article. Would you like me to send it to you via email?
Thanks!
Larissa