Operational Coherence works in public safety, focusing on outreach, innovation, and operations. The consultancy has a focus on wildland fire management, including fire adaptation, suppression, and new products.  

Part of the Operational Coherence process is critique, which is valuable throughout the design phases but most practical during concept development and prototyping. A critical lens allows for raising questions that can be answered prior to the creation of a product. After the product has been created, critique is valuable for understanding how a product can best be used and by whom. The critical approach Operational Coherence brings to any engagement can be supportive and directive in many areas, including decision-making in the design, development, and adoption phases. 

Operational Coherence's approach to any engagement starts with an analysis of the relevant literature, including the complex systems literature, to build a design frame that can be used to approach the project. Once the literature has been grasped and distilled, Operational Coherence combines knowledge creation, reflection, inspiration, concern, and care to design original solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.

Formulaic, prosaic, processual, and best practice-based approaches are vital throughout the disaster risk management cycle and are an integral part of a whole system's approach to addressing disruption.

In recognition of the critical work taking place by larger firms, Operational Coherence has taken a complementary and additive approach based on the creation of new knowledge, concern, reflection, care, inspiration, form, style, and the design of original tools and techniques to address problems based on their unique demands