writing / thoughts
Operator's notebook
Working notes on running owner-operated companies.
Featured
041
Owner's intent beats purpose
Owner's intent is what the owners want the business to produce. Without it, you can't operationalize anything.
read → 032The real job of an operator
Great operators start by coaching owners before touching processes. You can't build systems without clarity on goals.
read → 009What is a Company Operating System?
Your Company Operating System is how you run your business. Five components: intent, strategy, people, operations, and systems.
read → 004COO overhead is justified
Hiring a COO is justified, but only for a time. When change momentum slows, the job is done, or the company evolves past their skill set, the role becomes excessive overhead.
read →All thoughts
- 041 Owner's intent beats purpose
- 040 The Visionary and the Operator
- 035 Check-in routine keeps you ahead
- 034 Moving the needle
- 032 The real job of an operator
- 028 The four pillars of effective organisational communication
- 027 Bad communication is a leadership opportunity
- 022 Zone of sustained growth
- 017 Four levels of leading action
- 014 The difference between OKRs and KPIs
- 009 What is a Company Operating System?
- 008 5 OKR mistakes to avoid
- 005 Three jobs of interim COO
- 004 COO overhead is justified
- 003 COO is an overhead cost
- 002 COO is inherently an interim job