In a growing business, there are many challenges. One such challenge is putting together forms and manuals that outline new processes and procedures in the company. Not just the putting together of the actual forms or manuals but getting a working system in place is difficult. It is very important that as your business grows, you implement new ways of doing business. There is no way to keep working things the same way you used to when the volume of business changes.
“What Got you there……Won’t Keep you there” – John Graci
Here are some things you need to consider when putting together process and procedures for your business.
What is the Employee’s Role?
- Employees must understand their role in the process in order to be efficient in the business.
- When they have no idea what part they play, they will waste a lot of time aimlessly wandering around waiting for the next step.
- Processes and procedures need to clearly outline what each person on the team is expected to do. It is also helpful that everyone in the company has an understanding of what their team members’ roles are.
Here is something I was told by a mentor many years ago that put roles and responsibilities in perspective for me…
…The Crew Leader Owns the Day / The Production Manager Owns the Week / You Own the Month
Who Does the Employee Report To?
- As part of the process and procedures of your business, it should be made very clear who each person reports to.
- There needs to be a well-established feedback loop that allows staffers to communicate their problems.
- This allows the management team to dole out resources and brainstorm ways to solve the problem.
Employees Need to Be a Part of Creating the Process
- There is no way for one person to understand all of the problems that are being faced in the company on a daily basis.
- It is important that each employee helps to create the process and procedures for their position.
- They have firsthand working knowledge of how things work and issues that arise with the existing procedures.
- It is critically important that you keep up the pace when it comes to developing process and procedures in the business.
- This is an aspect of running a company that must be re-evaluated on a regular basis.
As the leader you’re the lead systems engineer.
- If you’re not the one driving the systems in your business, then -Why Not? –Who Is?
- If you aren’t quantifying /measuring the intended results, then how do you know how effective your systems really are?
The entrepreneur in you wants to be building growth and long-term value instead of managing the next problem on your to do list.
- You want to focus on the future and yet, you also have to manage today’s systems.
- You have to balance this tension with…
- Making sure that Everything to has its place,
- Everything is in its place
- The sum of that should be a finely-tuned system called ‘your business’.
Remember…
…Not paying attention to systems will lead to a business that is out of control.
…Not paying attention to systems will leave you feeling overwhelmed
…Because your business has become too reliant on you.
Be Well, Do Good Work, and Keep In Touch.
Fred Haskett
To Learn More Contact Fred at TrueWinds Consulting
© Copyright TrueWinds Consulting, LLC. All Rights Reserved