5 Essential Reasons You Need Them
My team member was out sick, the backup was on vacation, and I was next in line to perform the job duties. It had been a long time, but I knew we had procedures so I figured everything would be alright. So, I pulled up the procedures manual. The first step was to run a report in our software system. It only had the report name with no information about where to locate it. Thankfully, I was familiar with both the software and the report, so I knew where to find it. I moved on to the next step. The procedure read, “Click on the icon on your desktop with a G on it.” Unfortunately, I didn’t have a shortcut with a G on it. I continued reading, hoping the procedure would give me more information to complete the task but unfortunately, it didn’t. I was stuck and frustrated.
This is one of the many reasons why SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) are vital to businesses. SOPs are documentation of how and why you perform organizational tasks and processes. It sets the standard by which something must be done. SOPs ultimate goal is to protect the business by providing a uniform procedure for an expected outcome. An SOP would benefit processes such as onboarding new clients, preparing invoices, and marketing campaigns.
Here are my five essential reasons why you need SOPs in your company today.
1. Growth
SOPs provide the foundation for growth. They give you the base to build on and replicate. When you have clear SOPs, you can focus on expansion so that others can help with the day-to-day processes. It makes delegating easier and it allows you to add automation to your tasks. You need to have procedures documented to get the results you want. You’ll spend more time training and less time growing if you don’t have SOPs.
2. Morale Booster
People love to be a part of something and feel they’ve contributed meaningfully. When you have transparent, distinct processes, the people you work with feel accomplished and engaged. SOPs improve communication between the team and customers. Since SOPs are living documents, your team can make updates as something changes in the business process. Not only is it a morale booster, but their productivity skyrockets.
3. Brand Loyalty
SOPs deliver consistency which means your customers will receive excellent service from you every time. SOPs take the guesswork out of a task and allow your team to execute during each encounter. Consistency leads to trust, and trust catapults brand loyalty.
4. Stability
Nothing screams stability more than SOPs. Why wouldn’t you want a solid foundation in your business to maintain a secure, firmly established infrastructure? SOPs reduce errors, keep you on schedule, improve communication, and standardize operational functions.
5. Efficiency
We all want to get the most out of our day. SOPs help you do that. Once a system or process is defined and documented, your team can be more productive and plan better because they know what is expected of them. SOPs When you have a smooth-running operation, you gain momentum and increase efficiencies.
SOPs will help implement positive change in your company. I encourage you to evaluate what you have established in your business. If you’d like personalized service and need support, I’d love to work with you.
Let’s win together!
