Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) play an essential role in every business. They provide employees with a documented step-by-step process to follow. When we think about SOPs, the expression "Why reinvent the wheel?" comes to mind. If you know a process works well for your organization and yields the desired results, then it only makes sense to implement it as an SOP.
Think of a business as origami. Origami is the art of using precise folds to create something out of almost nothing. Following the same folding pattern every time will result in the same creation, but a slight variation or misstep in an origami fold will affect the end result. Similarly, even the slightest variation to a step or a misstep in your process can yield a vastly different result. The overall effect of multiple of the tiniest variations in the steps of your process can leave you with a very different product or service in the end. But if you are paying attention and catch errors or missteps in your procedures and take the time to correct them, the end result will still be amazing.
The first few folds in a piece of origami art are perhaps the most crucial and that is why the best origamists will keep their fingers on those folds for as long as possible. The same goes for your business. It is imperative that you keep your fingers on the folds by staying as involved and engaged as possible.
By having SOPs in place, an organization can:
1. Ensure that there is consistency in the organization, regardless of who is doing a particular task.
2. Reduce the number of errors by providing your team with clearly defined step-by-step instructions on how to perform a task.
3. Enhance communication when changes to processes occur. Any change in a process results in an updated SOP which is then communicated to the team.
If you'd like help to develop and implement your procedures and processes, say YES and schedule a consultation to see how we can help you.
Comments