Every good owner and manager knows that top performance comes from more than simply achieving goals — it’s about setting the right goals. Otherwise, we sacrifice effectiveness for efficiency. This is one thing that sets Operations apart from other departments. For example, the goal of Sales is to sell, regardless of the industry (which is one reason salespeople have such highly transferable skill sets). But in Operations, the goals you set (and which goals should be a top priority) are completely determined by the industry and specific type of business you’re in.

You’re already a functioning business. You have a good understanding of strategy, you’ve hired your essential staff, and know how to meet your customers’ needs. You’re getting orders out the door and operating with a system, but... Maybe you could do it better. Hiring an operations manager who focuses on the right tasks might be the key to moving your organization to the next level.

In show business, the job we are setting up today is more important that any work we can put off until tomorrow. Or so we think. It doesn't take long until tomorrow's work becomes next week's, then next month's.

Employee Reviews are no one's core competency in small business. They can be time-consuming, sometimes awkward, and potentially polarizing. Done well, reviews can help your team grow, make you a better manager, and enhance company culture. Done poorly? I have seen good employees quit on the spot, dedicated employees give up, and poor employees continue to wreak havoc on your business.

Knowing how little time we have to train new employees, how infrequently we get to do it, and the fact that we aren't sure what to teach them - what's the right interview question?

There are two things that really irk me: Being tricked and making mistakes. My penchant for purchase orders started when I was tricked because I made a mistake. Early in my career, our company PO system was six digits (the date) and buyer initials (TS). An industrial supply company had the ac extension cables we wanted to use and the sales rep pried an order out of me on the phone.