Small Business Operations Health Checklist

Written By Natasha Collinski

Use this checklist to spot where your operations might be silently holding you back. Make note of how many lines you agree with, then see the key at the bottom for what your score means.

📋 Clarity & Oversight

  • I have clear visibility into daily operations (not relying on gut or memory)

  • My team knows who is responsible for what — with little overlap or confusion

  • We have defined metrics or KPIs we check regularly (not just sales)

  • I know where time, money, or energy is being wasted in our workflows

🔁 Systems & Processes

  • Core processes (like onboarding, fulfillment, or customer service) are documented

  • Tasks are repeatable — not reinvented every time

  • We use the right tools — and actually use them consistently

  • I’m not the bottleneck for simple tasks or decisions

📦 Tools & Tech

  • Our software tools support our workflows (not add friction)

  • We aren’t duplicating work across tools (e.g. manual updates in multiple places)

  • Our team knows how to use the tools we’ve chosen

  • I know where all key files, SOPs, and data are stored — and they’re organized

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team & Delegation

  • Everyone knows what success looks like in their role

  • Tasks are delegated clearly — not dropped in Slack and forgotten

  • I’m not constantly answering the same questions

  • I trust the team to keep things moving when I’m out

📈 Scalability & Stress

  • We could take on 25% more volume without burning out

  • I’m not working nights or weekends just to “keep up”

  • When something breaks, we fix the root cause, not just the symptom

  • I feel confident — not just reactive — about how the business runs

🔎 How’d You Score?

  • 0–8: 🚨 Time to rebuild the foundation. You’re surviving, but stuck in chaos.

  • 9–14: ⚠️ Lots of friction. You’re functional — but it’s costing you clarity, time, and energy.

  • 15–20: ✅ Strong operational health. Some polish or delegation might take you to the next level.

📥 Want the checklist as a printable PDF?

I’ll send you a clean, easy-to-use version straight to your inbox — perfect to keep on your desk or share with your team.

Natasha Collinski