How to operate optimally in operations

Try saying that title ten times fast, eh?

Researching operations this week has been exciting! It’s interesting to see how many different shapes it can take and how integral it is to a company’s life. 

These are the traits and skills that will greatly improve your chances of success within the role based on my discoveries.

Knowledge of your company’s tech and functions

If you’re going to be involved with every working piece of a business, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the software, programs, and services of said business. As Emony Anderson put it: “Know any tools related to company communication like the back of your hand.”  

Resilience and creative problem solving

Each role in life calls for various helpings of resilience. This role calls for a heaping stack. When things take an unfortunate turn, you need to be able to push forward, keep your head, and solve the problem anyway. Resilience will only help your chances of success in operations.

Being resilient brings with it the prospect of quick and effective problem solving, which will prove useful in this role and beyond.    

Written and Verbal Communication

In this role, you’ll be communicating with everyone, on all sides, constantly. Communication in operations has an instructional and informative approach.

Consistent written and verbal communication skills are a must for success in operations.

Solid organization and management skills

The implementation of organized processes is essential to effective workflows. Being organized means more than a tidy desk and crisp manilla folders. It means being able to bring the information you need to the surface quickly, reach back and follow patterns, and regroup a project based on previous approaches. It means learning from your past self in a constructed and documented way.

Along with organization comes the management of people and projects.   

Take charge. Stand up. Be heard. Lead; those are challenging things. If you want to be in operations, you must be able to assert your ideas and methods with confidence and be comfortable with people looking to you for answers.

Being a leader comes with serving. If you’re in a position that people rely on, serving is a natural part of that role. You serve those who follow your lead, and in return, they listen and accept guidance.

In Summary

Ops has some hefty responsibilities, but don’t let that scare you away. You still have a team, and not every error you make will send the company into the red. Responsibility does not mean perfection, it means knowing how to own your work and make corrections as you go.

This month as a whole has been incredible for understanding the world of startups and business. Each title, as diverse and complex as they are, has more meaning than simple labels.

This brings the series to a close. Next, I’ll be posting every day. If you’re interested in more personal and introspective pieces, check back here on October 1st for day one! 

Scroll to Top