Learn the business

If you work for a sizable organization, and perhaps if you dont, chances are your business has considerable complexity. Take time to learn not just your particular role thats table stakes you have to know it , but also to gain a broader understanding of the business: the competitive environment, the market forces at play, the companys value proposition, sales model, pricing model, etc. No ones expecting you to become expert in all these fields, but gaining at least a working understanding of the key macro level issues is always helpful. Familiarity with these larger issues senior management is grappling with will only enhance your decision making capabilities in your own role.