3 Times You Mentored Team Members to Develop Operations Skills
Unlocking the full potential of a team is an art mastered by few. This article delves into the core strategies to mentor team members effectively, featuring wisdom from seasoned experts. Explore the practical steps to identify inefficiencies, foster critical thinking, and communicate like a pro.
- Identify Operational Inefficiencies and Delegate Tasks
- Encourage Hands-On Learning and Critical Thinking
- Teach Prioritization and Professional Communication
Identify Operational Inefficiencies and Delegate Tasks
One of the most impactful examples of coaching a team member in operations management involved a business owner I worked with in the UAE. Their company was struggling with inefficiencies in their supply chain, leading to missed deadlines and strained client relationships. With my background in telecommunications and years of business ownership, I quickly identified the root cause: a lack of clear operational workflows and insufficient delegation. The owner was handling too much themselves, which created bottlenecks. My approach began with a detailed operational audit where I mapped out every process, pinpointed redundancies, and highlighted areas where their team's skills weren't being fully utilized.
Next, I worked directly with the owner to create a structured operations manual and introduced key performance indicators (KPIs) for team accountability. I coached them on implementing a project management system that allowed real-time tracking and made workload distribution more transparent. Through regular one-on-one sessions, I taught them how to analyze data trends to make informed decisions, drawing on insights from my MBA in finance and my own experience managing teams of more than 30 employees. Within six months, the company saw an improvement in on-time delivery and a noticeable boost in employee morale because tasks were clearly defined and fairly distributed. The owner later shared that the skills they developed during our coaching sessions became a foundation for continued growth and operational excellence.
This success reinforced the importance of structured mentorship, real-world insights, and tailored solutions for transforming operational challenges into sustainable success.
Encourage Hands-On Learning and Critical Thinking
One example that comes to mind is when I mentored a team member at Nerdigital.com who was transitioning from a more technical role into an operations management position. This was a huge shift for them, as they were used to focusing on individual tasks and technical work, but now they were responsible for overseeing multiple processes and optimizing workflows for the entire team.
My approach was centered around hands-on learning and providing them with opportunities to take ownership of smaller projects first. I encouraged them to start with streamlining certain internal workflows, such as improving communication between teams or helping to optimize task management systems. These were manageable areas where they could test out their skills while learning the ropes of operations management.
We also set up regular one-on-one coaching sessions to discuss their progress, challenges, and any roadblocks they were facing. During these sessions, I made sure to ask open-ended questions to guide them in problem-solving rather than giving direct answers. For example, instead of simply telling them the best way to handle a bottleneck in the workflow, I asked questions like, "What do you think is causing this bottleneck?" and "How would you prioritize this task given the limited resources?" This approach encouraged them to think critically and make decisions independently.
Another key aspect of this mentorship was helping them develop their communication skills. As an operations manager, effective communication is crucial. I recommended they start taking more initiative in team meetings, practice presenting updates, and encouraged them to be more transparent in their decision-making. I provided constructive feedback on their presentations and communication style, helping them gain confidence in articulating their ideas.
Over time, they became much more comfortable in their role, and their efficiency in managing operations improved significantly. Their ability to assess challenges, manage multiple priorities, and lead their team to achieve results grew exponentially.
This experience taught me that mentoring is not just about passing along knowledge but about creating an environment where your team member feels empowered to learn, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace. It's a rewarding process for both the mentor and mentee, and the positive impact on the team's operations was incredibly gratifying.
Teach Prioritization and Professional Communication
One of the most rewarding experiences I've had as a business owner was mentoring a team member who had recently been promoted to a crew leader role. He was highly skilled in tree care but lacked experience in managing operations, such as scheduling, workflow coordination, and customer communication. Drawing on my own journey from learning the business as a young teenager under my father to becoming a certified arborist and TRAQ-certified professional, I focused on breaking down the complexities of operations management into manageable parts. I began by teaching him how to prioritize tasks based on safety, efficiency, and customer expectations. We worked side by side to create detailed schedules that accounted for crew availability, equipment needs, and project timelines. Additionally, I emphasized the importance of clear and professional communication, not just with the crew but with customers. To build his confidence, I had him shadow me during customer consultations and later encouraged him to take the lead while I provided feedback. Within a few months, he had not only improved the efficiency of his team but had also developed strong relationships with clients. His growth was a direct reflection of the principles my father instilled in me: the value of hands-on guidance, patience, and leading by example. Today, he's one of the key reasons our operations run so smoothly, and mentoring him reinforced for me the importance of investing in people to grow a business.
