Current Operations: The Heart of Every Organization
In any organization, The People and current operations are the driving force behind success. It’s the engine room where strategies are executed, problems are solved, and objectives are achieved. Having served in some of the greatest teams the military has ever seen, teams that operated under unimaginable pressure in Afghanistan and Iraq . I’ve learned that operational excellence isn’t just about systems and processes. It’s about people, leadership, and accountability.
Lessons from the Battlefield
As a Battle Operations Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), I was at the forefront of mission-critical decisions. My role demanded precision, adaptability, and foresight, often under intense scrutiny. Later, as a Training NCO and Land and Ammunition Manager, I learned the art of planning and resource allocation, skills that are equally vital in the business world. These roles taught me one unshakable truth: success hinges on having the right people, in the right place, with the right skills.
Whether as a Drill Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, or Team Leader for a cyber team, my leadership philosophy has remained consistent; train, teach, mentor, and hold people accountable.
The Leadership Imperative
Leadership is more than giving orders; it’s about building a team that functions as a well-oiled machine. In my military career, I worked closely with high-ranking leaders, ensuring that operations ran seamlessly. If the machine isn’t functioning properly, you have two options: train your people or replace them. Notice I didn’t say fire them.
Firing someone is the easy way out, but true leadership requires effort. It’s about understanding your team’s strengths and weaknesses, providing purpose, direction, and motivation, and creating an environment where growth is possible. If, after all this effort, someone consistently fails to meet expectations, then it’s time to teach accountability as a lesson, not as a punishment, but as an opportunity for growth.
Accountability: The Foundation of Success
Accountability is a non-negotiable in any operation. Whether in the military or in business, accountability ensures that every team member understands their role and delivers on their commitments. It’s not about blame, it’s about learning and improving.
As a former IT Director and a leader in various roles, I’ve carried these principles into every team I’ve been a part of. I believe in empowering people, fostering growth, and ensuring that every task has clear standards, timelines, and expectations.
Why Operations Matter
Running operations successfully means ensuring every moving part is aligned and efficient. From my military days to leading teams in the corporate world, I’ve always believed in giving 100% within my lane. If I’m running the operation, I guarantee success; if I’m not, I still ensure my contribution is executed flawlessly.
Without effective current operations, even the best strategies will fail. It’s the execution that matters, the ability to translate plans into action, to overcome obstacles, and to adapt when things go off course.
Final Thoughts
Leadership and operations are inseparable. Great operations leaders understand that their role is not just to manage but to inspire, mentor, and hold their teams accountable. Success is never accidental. it’s the result of deliberate planning, consistent effort, and a commitment to excellence.
For anyone leading a team or running operations, remember this: take care of your people, train them, and give them the tools they need to succeed. Only then can you build a machine that runs smoothly and delivers results every time.
Leadership is about making your team better, and in turn, they will make your organization better. When you get the people part right, the operations will naturally follow.
How to Reach Me
I’m passionate about connecting with people, solving problems, and helping organizations achieve success through operational excellence and leadership. If you’d like to talk more about operations, leadership, or how I can help your organization grow, feel free to reach out:
📧 Email: [email protected]
Very Respectfully,
Santi
