Good Sense Leadership: The Key to Successful Operations Management in Building Materials
Posted on May 16, 2024
I was talking to a client the other day, and he told me he needed to hire an Operations Manager, a leader who he could ensure would solve problems, help the company stay on top of delivering a high level of service, and keep up with the high growth they have been experiencing over the last four years.
This Operations Manager job had been open for over three months via an online building products job board. The client stated that the responses were poor and the candidates lacked certain must-haves. I asked what those “must haves,” and he responded, “I need an Operations Manager with common sense. I smiled, knowing exactly what he meant.
Growing up in a small Maine town, where folks were known for solving problems independently, my dad, a successful businessman with strong beliefs, always shared valuable advice that has stuck with me. He used to say, “There’s nothing common about common sense; it should be called something else.” As I got older, I started thinking maybe it should be called ‘good sense’ where, since it was rare, it would be good to possess. Over time, I realized what he meant.
Common sense, or good sense as I like to call it, goes beyond just being logical. It’s like a rare treasure that only a few truly understand. Dad would explain, “I know that common sense is rare because it stands out when someone has it.” He taught me that it’s not just about solving problems; it’s a light that guides us toward truth and clarity.
In Operations Management jobs, common sense is needed to solve everyday problems. Understanding that problem solving is part of their day-to-day tasks, a great manager knows how to use it to their advantage. An Operations or Logistics Manager needs to think logically and apply specific knowledge in processes, project management, overseeing shipping, inventory, warehousing, etc. Great companies in Building Materials need people who are students of common sense, and leadership jobs like operations managers demand it.
I hope this makes Good Sense!