Operations Manager Reviews - Page 150

No one will think less of you if you ask their advice. A second, third or fourth set of eyes can help you find a creative solution to the toughest problem. Try to find a mentor and work with them throughout the growth stages of your career.

The role is demanding and requires a very positive, flexible and dynamic person as the role is so diverse I.e. My role may entail any of the following leading a disciplinary, negotiating terms and conditions with companies, changing a nappy! All this makes the job interesting but it is all unpredictable. A large factor in the enjoyment of this role is of other managers and directors on your level. If there are good systems of practice in place then the role will be challenging but you will know how to deal with things effectively. If you are in a company with managers and directors who continually change the goal posts and any priorities that come with, it can be tremendously hard to be confident or competent in your role. My advice, make sure you are entering an industry that you care for, this role is a vocation more than a jab. Be flexible as you will be the one people turn to when things go wrong and be positive!

Be open minded, have attention to detail, high level of listening skills, look for productivity enhancing method but reduce stress and burnout level for team, stand up for team members.

Understand the job description very well on the spoken and unspoken things. There are some aspects of the job like flexible working, which can cause a lot of discomfort to the work life balance if not clarified earlier. Additionally, check the work delivery expectations in terms of availability. You might be needed 24 hours a day and 7 days a week on your Blackberry. If the company expects you to work days and nights occasionally in the job description, please expect that to be a norm and not exception. Clarify this.

The key measurement of success is to create successes by influencing people and being able to tangibly equate that success with your efforts and productivity. A key element of being successful at the senior level in a large corporation is to be resilient in the face of adversity, show a can do attitude and be geographically mobile. Restrictions on mobility often lead to a slowing down in progression opportunities and self development.