95% of new start-ups fail. Some reasons include having a poor business plan, making costly commitments, or not getting funding. 

All these problems need constant innovation to solve. And the source of this innovation is often an operations department. 

Operations is about organizing and optimizing processes for efficiency and reliability. We learn the inner workings of a company and our hands are in every department. We build new systems and iterate on old ones.

Here’s how I’ve developed an operations mindset throughout my career:

Building Organization Habits

Being organized is essential in operations. Organization involves streamlining processes so we can focus on our most valuable tasks.

In real estate, I needed to organize my workflow to complete tasks. I developed a tool storage system, prioritized tasks, and scheduled them in advance. 

The schedule was especially important. Annie Dillard puts it well. “A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days.” It protects us from all the inputs, favors, and extra tasks that accumulate. Then, we can focus on being proactive rather than reactive.

In retail, I further developed these habits. I created to-do lists and prioritized the most valuable tasks.

Developing an Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is critical. Minor changes in company-wide systems cause drastic effects on productivity and revenue. I developed my attention to detail by straightening merchandise.

Straightening is a tedious process, but we must do it to avoid unnecessary problems.  

If customers can’t find items, they’re going to ask employees for help. Then the employee has to leave their primary job to help the customer. This causes hiccups if we don’t make up for lost productivity.

Other employees might have to finish the other’s work. Then that employee’s work gets pushed back. It’s a nasty cycle.

Something that seems tiny affects the entire store.

Cultivating a Desire for Efficiency and Improvement

Operations is all about efficiency. How can we speed up our systems? So, someone in operations needs to have a relentless self-improvement attitude.  

I’ve always had this mentality, but I’ve cultivated it by reading self-development. I’ve read many books ranging from Rich Dad Poor Dad, Atomic Habits, Mastery, and Getting Things Done. All this reading has piqued my curiosity about improvement.

Summary

Every business needs operations because without it, we lose productivity and revenue. But operations doesn’t only apply to the company. It also applies to the individual. 

Next time you’re working, look for ways to:

• Be more efficient
• Solve more problems
• Be more organized

By doing so, you’ll develop operational skills and prepare yourself for the role.