7 Pieces of Advice for Aspiring Operations Managers
Gaining the upper hand in operations management requires more than just theoretical knowledge; it necessitates real-world expertise and adaptability. This article distills valuable advice from seasoned professionals, providing a roadmap for aspiring operations managers to excel in this dynamic field. Discover key strategies to stay solution-focused, balance technical skills with interpersonal acumen, and remain the steadfast leader in any organizational tempest.
- Stay Adaptable and Solution-Focused
- Master Problem-Solving and Customer Satisfaction
- Solve Problems Quickly and Effectively
- Balance Technical Expertise with People Skills
- Be the Calm in the Storm
- Master Adaptability and Communication
- Listen Actively and Adopt Solutions-Oriented Mindset
Stay Adaptable and Solution-Focused
One piece of advice I would give to aspiring operations managers is to always stay adaptable and solution-focused. In this role, unexpected challenges will arise daily, whether it's managing staff, dealing with supply chain issues, or adjusting to customer demands. The ability to think on your feet and make quick, effective decisions is what sets great managers apart. Communication and leadership are also critical. A strong operations manager knows how to motivate their team, delegate efficiently, and ensure that every moving part of the business runs smoothly. For example, in my own experience running Ozzie Mowing & Gardening, I've had to coordinate multiple projects at once while ensuring that each client receives high-quality service. There was a time when unexpected weather conditions caused major scheduling disruptions. By staying proactive, communicating clearly with clients, and restructuring our workload efficiently, I was able to turn a potentially disastrous week into a smoothly managed one with minimal delays.
My years of experience and certifications in horticulture have been invaluable in making informed decisions that keep operations running efficiently. Understanding the technical aspects of the work we do means I can step in wherever needed, whether it's diagnosing plant health issues or optimizing our service routes to save time and costs. A good operations manager doesn't just manage people, they understand the business inside and out. In my case, this has meant balancing customer service, team management, and hands-on expertise to build a trusted reputation in the industry. The key to success is being able to juggle multiple responsibilities while maintaining high standards and keeping your team motivated, no matter what challenges arise.
Master Problem-Solving and Customer Satisfaction
One piece of advice I would give to aspiring operations managers is to master the art of problem-solving while keeping customer satisfaction at the core of every decision. In a fast paced industry like tree services, unexpected challenges arise daily, whether it's weather delays, equipment failures, or last-minute schedule changes. A great operations manager stays calm under pressure, quickly assesses the situation, and finds a solution that keeps both the team and the client happy. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability are essential skills to make sure everything runs smoothly. Over the years, my experience as a certified arborist and business owner has taught me that success comes from balancing efficiency with quality service. Managing a team of 10 employees and handling complex tree removal projects in the DFW area has reinforced the importance of being proactive and always having contingency plans in place.
A great example of this happened during a major storm in Dallas that left many homeowners needing emergency tree removal. We were overwhelmed with calls, and our usual schedule was completely booked. Instead of turning clients away, I quickly reorganized our team into smaller, specialized crews to handle multiple jobs simultaneously. I also coordinated with local equipment suppliers to get additional machinery on short notice. Because of these quick decisions and strategic planning, we were able to help dozens of homeowners within 48 hours, earning their trust and securing long-term customers. That experience reinforced my belief that operations managers need to be decisive, resourceful, and always ready to pivot when challenges arise.
Solve Problems Quickly and Effectively
One piece of advice I always give aspiring operations managers is this: Master the art of problem-solving under pressure. Early in my career, I walked into a warehouse where an entire shipment had gone missing. Instead of pointing fingers, I gathered the team, traced every step in the supply chain, and uncovered a simple mislabeling issue. That moment taught me that success in operations isn't about avoiding problems-it's about how quickly and effectively you solve them. To thrive in this role, you need critical thinking, adaptability, and clear communication. Data will guide decisions, but it's your ability to stay calm, coordinate teams, and find solutions in real time that sets you apart. Never assume things will go as planned-assume they won't, and be ready to pivot fast.
Balance Technical Expertise with People Skills
The most valuable lesson from managing complex roofing operations is that technical expertise must be balanced with people skills. Success comes from building a team that shares your commitment to quality while remaining adaptable to changing conditions. We've found that involving our crews in project planning and encouraging their input on process improvements leads to better outcomes. This collaborative approach, combined with rigorous quality standards, has been key to maintaining excellence across hundreds of projects.
Be the Calm in the Storm
I think my biggest advice for aspiring operations managers is for them to be the calm in the storm. Operations is where everything comes together-or falls apart-so the ability to stay composed under pressure is what separates good from great. Looking back here at Legacy Online School, scaling an online education platform meant juggling tech, curriculum, student support, and global regulations-all moving parts that needed seamless coordination. I'd say some of the best operations managers I've worked with had a mix of problem-solving instincts, adaptability, and clear communication because they don't just put out fires-they anticipate them. One key proficiency? Systems thinking. See the big picture, but don't forget the tiny details. It's not micromanaging in a well-oiled operation; it's putting processes in place that enable people to work faster and independently, unencumbered. Last but not least, strong relationships can't be beat. Accomplishment of operations isn't about logistics but about lining up people, priorities, and process toward something that actually works.
Master Adaptability and Communication
For aspiring operations managers, mastering adaptability is key. No two days will be the same, and the ability to pivot quickly while keeping efficiency high is what sets the best apart. One piece of advice I'd give is to develop strong problem-solving skills—anticipate issues before they arise and always have a backup plan.
Communication is just as crucial. You need to be the bridge between departments, ensuring processes run smoothly while aligning teams toward common goals. I've seen firsthand how attention to detail and data-driven decision-making can transform an operation. Whether it's optimizing workflows or cutting inefficiencies, a great operations manager understands that small improvements compound into massive results over time.
Listen Actively and Adopt Solutions-Oriented Mindset
The best advice I would give to any aspiring operations manager is to actively listen and adopt a solutions-oriented mindset. The most effective operations managers I have worked with engage in constructive conversations with their direct reports, identifying friction points in their workflow and collaborating to resolve the most pressing challenges. Success in this role requires the ability to understand team concerns, effectively prioritize issues, and make meaningful progress on the areas that have the greatest impact. By focusing on these key aspects, an operations manager can foster efficiency, boost morale, and drive overall organizational success.
