85: Why Every Ops Decision Builds Your Reputation

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/85.

Your reputation as an operations leader isn’t built in a single moment. It’s shaped by every decision you make, day in and day out.

Over time, those choices add up, not just to results, but to the story people tell about you as a leader.

Think about the leaders you most admire. Their expertise matters, but it’s how they show up in critical moments that really defines them.

Research shows that executive presence (how you communicate and make decisions) is a top priority for leadership advancement. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 C-suite executives say executive presence helps you get ahead. 

Yet so many brilliant ops leaders remain invisible because they haven’t connected their decision-making style to their personal brand.

Today, you’ll learn how every decision you make shapes your reputation, and how to make sure it’s the story you want people to remember. 

Transcript

Your reputation as an operations leader isn’t built in a single moment. It’s shaped by every decision you make, day in and day out.

Over time, those choices add up, not just to results, but to the story people tell about you as a leader.

Think about the leaders you most admire. Their expertise matters, but it’s how they show up in critical moments that really defines them.

Research shows that executive presence (how you communicate and make decisions) is a top priority for leadership advancement. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 C-suite executives say executive presence helps you get ahead.* 

Yet so many brilliant ops leaders remain invisible because they haven’t connected their decision-making style to their personal brand.

Today, you’ll learn how every decision you make shapes your reputation, and how to make sure it’s the story you want people to remember. Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/85.

Hey Ops Execs...

How Decision-Making Shapes Your Ops Leadership Brand

Let’s get real for a sec: have you ever made a decision you wish you could erase? Same here. I remember once trying to impress the top brass by making a “bold” move outside my comfort zone. I borrowed that whole ‘Ask forgiveness, not permission’ motto from someone else. It totally backfired.

But you know what? People remembered that I was willing to step up and try something new, even if it didn’t land the way I’d hoped.

Here’s what I’ve learned: people notice your choices, talk about them, and remember how you made them feel. You can solve the most complex problems and still struggle to get recognized, especially when things are changing fast.

Making Your Decision Process Visible in Operations

I worked with an ops exec at a healthcare company going through a merger. He was brilliant at solving problems, but he often held back in meetings, waiting for perfect data before weighing in. By the time he spoke up, others had already shaped the conversation. His boss even said one time, “I sometimes forget you’re in the room.”

This hit him really hard. He wasn’t looking for attention, but of course, he did want his work to matter. 

Obviously, his thoughtful, precise approach was actually a strength, he just needed to make it visible. So, he started announcing his decision process upfront: “I’d like to take 24 hours to review the data and then share my recommendation.” This simple shift made it known that he was being deliberate, not hesitant. 

He also began connecting his decisions to the bigger picture. Rather than just solving problems, he explained how his solutions advanced the company’s goals during the merger.

Within a few months, his reputation shifted. Colleagues sought his input, and he was tapped to lead a critical integration team, all without changing his fundamental, authentic style.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Own your decision signature. Are you quick, or bold, or collaborative, or thoughtful? There’s no single right approach. Just know what yours is and own it.
2. Make your process visible. Narrate your thinking. Help others understand not just what you’re choosing, but how you’re approaching the choice.
3. Connect your decisions to impact. Show how your choices advance the organization’s goals, especially during change.

Practical Tips to Build Your Reputation as an Ops Leader

Try this: After your next big decision, send a brief email to stakeholders explaining your reasoning and the expected outcome. It’s simple, but it makes your value visible.

When you trust yourself and offer transparency, you become the kind of leader who empowers others to do the same.

I’ll leave you with this question: What’s one decision you’ve made this week that aligns with the leader you want to become?

If you want to keep building your reputation as a visible, trusted leader, check out episode 37. It’s packed with practical personal branding tips that will help you stand out and advance as an operations exec. Find it at yourfuturerealized.com/37. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

You can’t stop the chaos, but you can change the game.

* Reference:
Sally Williamson & Associates. “Executive Presence Is a Top Priority for Leadership.” 2024.
https://sallywilliamson.com/executive-presence-top-priority-leadership/