2510 The Importance of Process Autonomy in Store Operations

When I took over the shisha bar last November, one of my key objectives was to establish a structured yet autonomous operational process. My goal was to create a system where tasks were clearly defined, responsibilities were distributed efficiently, and each team member could contribute independently to the store’s success.

Recently, Kenji, who will take on the role of store manager starting this April, brought up a topic that perfectly illustrates the significance of process autonomy. He proposed that housekeeping tasks were not a major concern and that he would handle them himself. While I appreciated his willingness to take responsibility, I suggested that we establish a housekeeping guideline for part-time staff instead. The reason? Because I had noticed that essential areas such as windows, toilets, floors, and air conditioning filters were not being cleaned as frequently as they should be.

Kenji initially questioned why we needed such guidelines when he was willing to manage housekeeping himself. In response, I explained that while these basic tasks do not require advanced skills or knowledge, they are crucial for maintaining a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. More importantly, these routine responsibilities should not be the store manager’s direct burden but rather a shared responsibility among all team members.

A manager’s time should be invested in higher-value activities that directly contribute to the store’s growth and profitability. By setting up an autonomous housekeeping process, Kenji can shift his focus to strategic tasks—such as improving customer experience, optimizing operations, and driving revenue—rather than constantly monitoring and handling low-value activities himself.

After our discussion, Kenji seemed to understand the rationale behind creating a structured housekeeping guideline. I was pleased to see his openness to the idea and his willingness to adopt a more systematic approach.

Kenji’s growth as a leader excites me. I am increasingly confident that he will develop the ability to build an automated operation where responsibilities are clearly assigned, allowing him to function as a single point of responsibility without micromanaging every aspect of the store. While my initial goal was to cultivate a culture of autonomy among part-time staff, I now believe that with Kenji as a dedicated store manager, our journey toward an efficient and self-sustaining operation will progress even faster than I originally anticipated.

This experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of well-defined processes. When a business prioritizes autonomy and structured workflows, it creates a strong foundation for sustainable growth and operational excellence.

I look forward to seeing Kenji continue to evolve in his role, and I am eager to support him as he works towards building a more efficient and successful store.