In developing the procedures that make policies a reality, remember that procedures, like systems, need to be well-documented in order to be transferrable, and adaptable.
When you break down the process into a set of defined procedures, those procedures become work instructions. The instructions define multiple procedures and the roles of various individuals responsible for those procedures, so when they come together they define a successful process.
When establishing system benchmarks, it’s best to stick to the essentials. Leave room for common sense and avoid the clutter of excess detail about process.
This blog entry will review the nine steps we use to actually design business systems for our clients. These steps were originally created by e-Myth, but we use a similar strategy, or system, when advising our clients:
The first step is to determine which systems your business needs to run smoothly. In theory, every aspect of the operation can be systematized. Choose a new product launch, an advertising campaign, an HR function, or some other aspect of the business that needs to be organized.
Every aspect of your operation needs to be structured and documented so the results are predictable and the knowledge needed to execute is captured, clear, and transferrable. Systems should be created to provide repeatable results; rinse and repeat is the key.