Skip to content
Observation and Immersion:Attend every business meeting possible to observe operations and understand current challenges and processes.Request to be blind CCed on emails to gain insight into ongoing communication and issues.Engage in customer interactions, including sitting in on call center calls and speaking directly with customers.Read through operations manuals, policies, and playbooks to familiarize oneself with internal procedures and protocols.Networking and Relationship Building:Schedule breakfasts, lunches, and coffee meetings with as many employees as possible to learn about the company's history, culture, and operational nuances.Conduct virtual or in-person meetings to establish rapport and gather insights from various departments and levels of the organization.Note-Taking and Idea Generation:Keep a detailed notebook to record observations, ideas for improvement, potential personnel changes, and other insights gained during the observation period.Compile a list of potential initiatives and changes without immediately implementing them.
Review and Validation:Revisit the list of ideas and initiatives generated in the first 30 days.Engage in conversations with relevant stakeholders to validate assumptions and gather additional information.Evaluate each idea thoroughly, considering feedback and insights gathered during discussions.Refinement and Adjustment:Refine the list of initiatives based on feedback and insights obtained during the validation process.Prioritize initiatives based on feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with organizational goals.Adjust plans or discard ideas that are not aligned with the organization's needs or priorities.
Execution of Quick Wins:Identify and prioritize low-hanging fruit projects that can be implemented quickly with minimal resources but yield significant results.Focus on projects that will have a tangible impact on the organization's performance or efficiency.Ensure that selected projects align with the company's strategic objectives and contribute to long-term success.Demonstrate Value and Build Momentum:Implement selected projects effectively, demonstrating tangible results and showcasing the COO's ability to drive positive change.Communicate successes and progress to relevant stakeholders to build confidence and momentum.Leverage early wins to garner support and credibility within the organization.Preparation for Future Initiatives:Lay the groundwork for more significant projects and strategic initiatives to be undertaken in the subsequent quarters.Assess resource requirements, develop implementation plans, and identify potential obstacles or challenges.Build a roadmap for future initiatives based on lessons learned and insights gained during the first 90 days.
Assess Current State:Conduct one-on-one meetings with key executives, including the CEO and department heads, to understand their perspectives on the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.Review existing processes, organizational structure, and workflows to identify areas for improvement and optimization.Build Relationships:Establish rapport with the CEO and other C-suite executives to foster a strong working relationship and alignment on strategic goals.Meet with cross-functional teams and department heads to understand their roles, challenges, and expectations.Develop Understanding:Dive deep into the company's culture, values, and mission to align your approach with its ethos.Familiarize yourself with the industry landscape, competitors, and market trends to identify opportunities for growth and differentiation.Strategic Planning:Collaborate with the CEO and leadership team to refine the company's strategic priorities and roadmap for growth.Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure progress towards strategic objectives.Operational Efficiency:Implement streamlined processes and standardized procedures to improve operational efficiency and scalability.Assess resource allocation and make recommendations for optimizing workforce deployment and utilization.Talent Management:Evaluate the current talent pool and identify gaps in skills and capabilities.Develop a talent acquisition strategy to attract, retain, and develop top talent aligned with the company's needs and culture.Execution and Monitoring:Roll out initiatives identified in the strategic plan, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.Establish regular checkpoints and performance reviews to track progress and make course corrections as needed.Communication and Transparency:Enhance communication channels across the organization to foster transparency, collaboration, and feedback.Hold town hall meetings or Q&A sessions to address employee concerns, share updates, and reinforce the company's vision and values.Continuous Improvement:Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovation, experimentation, and learning.Solicit feedback from employees at all levels to identify opportunities for process optimization and organizational effectiveness.
Startup COO Resources
New COO Plan (90 Days)
First 30 Days:
Second 30 Days:
Third Month:
Managing Chaos
First Month:
Second Month:
Third Month:
Organizations, Communities, Coaches & Courses
Books & Blogs
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.