It is not uncommon for the operations department at a company to get a bad rap.

This department is often viewed as the opposite of exciting. It’s in the weeds. It’s detail-oriented. It’s not seen as strategic, creative, or innovative. But I want to argue the opposite. The operations of a company are vital for strategic & creative thinking. You can’t innovate unless your business is running well.

The "boring" stuff of processes and day-to-day tasks positions you for a growth mindset. Think of it this way - to be strategic about the future, the present has to be solidified. Innovation and growth spring from operations.

No, operating details aren't sexy, but it is necessary for growth. You might have a killer marketing campaign, but if you can't produce a product in a timely fashion, it doesn't matter. Or, let's say you have an amazing product that people are dying to purchase. Great! If you haven't figured out an efficient way to distribute that product, your competitors will beat you to the punch.

Here is a tip for keeping the operation side of your business full of life and vision: prioritize autonomy at the center of the structure. Operational details don't have to be robotic, mundane, or structured routines. Create a world with the principles central to your business, and then allow your team to work in their own way within that system.

If you’re leading operations, your job is to cast a vision and set priorities and directions. Explain the goals; allow people to solve problems creatively; and build the infrastructure, accomplishing what you want to achieve. But don't be bound by these systems. The systems are only a tool to achieve your purpose. Create systems with the flexibility to change. Set up regular times to assess your systems. Allow open conversation and discussion about whether they are still working. Don’t be bound by them. Be bound by your purpose. This will keep operations less stagnant and more innovative

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