As a business owner or leader (or if you’ve had a session with me), you’ve likely heard the phrase “work on your business, not just in it.” But how do leaders get out of the day-to-day and have time to focus ON the business? One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by documenting and simplifying your company’s core processes. By doing so, you create a clear roadmap for everyone in the organization, ensuring consistency, productivity, and scalability. Of course, EOS has a tool for that, the 3-Step Process Documenter, that provides you with a simple way to establish lasting and effective processes in your organization that are consistent and followed by all.
I get it, Processes are not sexy. And when I bring this up, most people’s eyes gloss over. This is often the component that people procrastinate the most on. BUT, once you get this nailed, and your people start to follow your processes – what a difference it makes in your business. The results my clients have seen are staggering!
The Major Role of Documented and Simplified Processes
Documented and simplified processes are the backbone of any scalable business. They provide a framework for consistency, efficiency, and growth. When core processes are well-documented, they serve as a reference point for everyone in the organization. Employees know what is expected of them, which reduces confusion and increases productivity.
Simplified processes make it easier to train new employees, reduce the learning curve, and help maintain the company’s standards as it grows. Additionally, these processes help in identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement, leading to continuous development and innovation.
How EOS Tools Simplify and Improve Processes
For companies effectively implementing EOS, nearly everything runs smoother and faster, from employee onboarding to special projects. New employees are up and running within 90 days and anyone can step in to manage a special project because the steps are right there – they just need to pick up the Core Processes and follow them. The 3-Step Process Documenter is one of those handy tools in the EOS toolbox, which focuses on identifying, documenting, and standardizing your company’s core processes.
By implementing EOS, companies can:
- Clearly define their core processes
- Document these processes in a simple, easy-to-follow format
- Ensure all team members understand and follow these processes
- Regularly review and improve processes for optimal performance
If an issue arises that isn’t covered by the existing processes, add it to the issues list. By using IDS (Identify, Discuss, Solve) with the right person or team, you can quickly address and resolve any challenges that fall outside of established processes – and update them to avoid the issue in the future!
Process Vs. Procedure: How to Differentiate
It’s helpful to distinguish between process and procedure for your team. Processes are what to do – the high-level activities that are critical to the business’s success. They encompass broad functions such as sales, marketing, operations, and customer service. Procedures are how, who, and when – detailed instructions for specific tasks within those core processes. Here’s a quick guide:
Processes:
- High-level, end-to-end workflows
- Usually cross multiple departments
Example: Lead Generation to Cash Collection process
Procedures:
- Detailed, step-by-step instructions for specific tasks
- Usually confined to a single department or role
Example: How to process a customer refund
While both are important, focus on identifying and documenting your Core Processes first. These provide the framework within which more detailed SOPs can be developed.
Free Yourself With Strong Core Processes
Identifying and documenting your company’s core processes will free you up to work on the things that you enjoy. Without them, businesses can struggle with inefficiencies, inconsistencies, and wasted resources. I recently completed a training session and can now guide your team through a special all-day session to help you document your Core Processes, complete with tips on how to get everyone to follow them.
Stop sweeping this important component under the rug. When we strengthen the process component, it strengthens every other component of our EOS model. We grow faster, create a culture of excellence, make customers happier, have more time, make more money, and increase the value of our company.
Contact me to learn more about how EOS can transform your business operations and set you on the path to achieving your vision.
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