Every system — factory, lab, hospital, airline, project — follows natural laws. The leaders who understand those laws lead with clarity instead of chaos. “Working better” is not about working harder — it’s about working scientifically. This week describes operations science fundamentals required for working better and their effect on teams’ efforts for improved performance.

Operations science played a key role in helping Delta TechOps rebuild from the severe disruption of Covid and, at the same time, embark on an ambitious growth plan for its maintenance, repair, and overhaul business. We summarize the compelling podcast of Mike McBride, VP of Engines and Components, and his take on the events. It provides powerful lessons on crisis management in operations.

There are a couple of common, avoidable mistakes that organizations make when creating their annual operating plans. This 2-minute video describes those mistakes.