People & Performance Assistant
emc3
I started out as an Executive Assistant, then Program Coordinator with a regional team of a Global Accelerator program. I was fresh out of uni and just learning the ins and outs of "proper business". I had worked odd jobs since I was a teen but nothing like this. I managed everything internally from setting up social accounts to building a network of mentors, partners, and prospects to coordinating and running events throughout North America. I loved the job but found being in front of people and travelling exhausting so I pivoted to a more in-house role. I am now within the Operations team of a global events agency where I can still play a pivotal role in the team and support the company without having to be everywhere at once. I didn't think I was doing operational work until I became an 'Operations Assistant' (before my title change) but after joining Operations Nation, I quickly learned I've been doing operations all along and it's very much where I fit.
My perfect week would look like the start and end of a fully planned, incorporated, and smoothly running process but that's far from reality! Truthfully, I'm having a great week if I'm able to dive into some problems and at the very least have an action plan built out for the coming days, weeks, months ahead to start trialling solutions and getting my team closer to a more sustainable and supportive way of working.
Having built a program that is now globally known without having had previous experience in the industry nor known anyone to start with.
I'm good at asking questions! I never pretend to know everything but if I can ask the right sort of questions, I can usually get to the crux of a situation and help my team think differently about the approach.
Asana - I am very process and list-oriented so having a project management system means everything to me!
Asana (of course) but also my team, it's great to have people who you can lean on or help remind you of things as plates are spinning in the air and could come toppling down at any moment.
It means having an inclusive and growth mindset. You cannot be in operations if you are stuck in old ways and not willing to try something new or give someone the chance to take risks. It also means collaboration and discussion - the best operational ideas come from throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks.
Operations is the most important department within a business. That may sound like a biased opinion but I stand by it - Ops is always overlooked but without it, a business would likely die quite quickly.
That it will become more prominent and important in business. That more groups like Operations Nation will come about to help us ops professionals come together, discuss our pain points, and continue doing what we do best which is holding things together and creating better systems and processes for teams to work with/in so they can also shine and produce incredible goods and services for the betterment of the world.
First of all - WOOHOO, welcome! Second, you are integral to whatever you are a part of so give it your all and always ask questions! You cannot go wrong so long as you try.