Dear Pipsqueaks,
I know I've written something back in 2012 about 'Lead by Example', and I suppose this is somewhat similar to that theme, but more so setting an example to be followed. Why is it so important to decide on the way forward and stick with it? Well, that's what will make or break the future of any operation.
SOPs = Standard Operating Procedure
Companies have SOPs. Schools have SOPs. Sports teams have SOPs. Even families have SOPs. Why do we have them? It's so we don't spend the same amount of time if not more dwelling on the same question every single time it comes up. It's just not worth all that time to have the same discussion about the same topic over and over. If the topic were a person, then it would have been an overkill for every talk were a stab. Honestly, it doesn't need to be that complicated.
Best time to set an SOP = when the issue first arises.
So we decide on something. Well, that's a good start. But for that to truly be useful, it should be actioned at the very first sight of the issue. Why let the rolling ball of fire burn down the rest of the field when you could have put out the fire? Why let the problem become a problem in the first place when it doesn't need to be? SQUASH'em at birth. No?
It's really that simple. No tricks. It's just about sitting everyone down and talking it through once and for all what the issue is (of course, that's if everyone is clear on what the real issue is), and decide on what is the best solution. How do we make sure everyone comes out at least satisfied if not happy? No guarantees, but at least everyone is crystal clear on all the possible scenarios and will be able to follow the logic (this is with the assumption that the outcome will have its logic) should the same or similar issues come up in the future. That's all.
Not rocket science. But it becomes rocket science if no decision is really made, and someone just goes with whatever was the easiest solution (which most of the time isn't the best). And ta-da, you have created rocket science problem. How so, you ask? Well, that 'easiest solution' will haunt you like your worst nightmare every single time the same logic arises. And guess what? You don't have a good reason to wake up. You've allowed the ghost into your dreams, and it will haunt you forever and ever. Okay, it's not the end of the world. But you get what I mean.
So what's the learning? Don't wait forever to set a SOP - do it as soon as you see the issue. What to do if you've already past the stage and let the ghost in? Don't panic - you can be saved. Instructions: Admit the decision was made without a complete think-through, and actually sit your shiny buttocks down to get it right finally. Again, not rocket science if you don't want it to be.
Anyway, I'm also not going to talk the topic to death. It doesn't take an MBA to learn this - it just takes one mistake. But hey, if you don't want to learn, then you never will!
I know I've written something back in 2012 about 'Lead by Example', and I suppose this is somewhat similar to that theme, but more so setting an example to be followed. Why is it so important to decide on the way forward and stick with it? Well, that's what will make or break the future of any operation.
SOPs = Standard Operating Procedure
Companies have SOPs. Schools have SOPs. Sports teams have SOPs. Even families have SOPs. Why do we have them? It's so we don't spend the same amount of time if not more dwelling on the same question every single time it comes up. It's just not worth all that time to have the same discussion about the same topic over and over. If the topic were a person, then it would have been an overkill for every talk were a stab. Honestly, it doesn't need to be that complicated.
Best time to set an SOP = when the issue first arises.
So we decide on something. Well, that's a good start. But for that to truly be useful, it should be actioned at the very first sight of the issue. Why let the rolling ball of fire burn down the rest of the field when you could have put out the fire? Why let the problem become a problem in the first place when it doesn't need to be? SQUASH'em at birth. No?
It's really that simple. No tricks. It's just about sitting everyone down and talking it through once and for all what the issue is (of course, that's if everyone is clear on what the real issue is), and decide on what is the best solution. How do we make sure everyone comes out at least satisfied if not happy? No guarantees, but at least everyone is crystal clear on all the possible scenarios and will be able to follow the logic (this is with the assumption that the outcome will have its logic) should the same or similar issues come up in the future. That's all.
Not rocket science. But it becomes rocket science if no decision is really made, and someone just goes with whatever was the easiest solution (which most of the time isn't the best). And ta-da, you have created rocket science problem. How so, you ask? Well, that 'easiest solution' will haunt you like your worst nightmare every single time the same logic arises. And guess what? You don't have a good reason to wake up. You've allowed the ghost into your dreams, and it will haunt you forever and ever. Okay, it's not the end of the world. But you get what I mean.
So what's the learning? Don't wait forever to set a SOP - do it as soon as you see the issue. What to do if you've already past the stage and let the ghost in? Don't panic - you can be saved. Instructions: Admit the decision was made without a complete think-through, and actually sit your shiny buttocks down to get it right finally. Again, not rocket science if you don't want it to be.
Anyway, I'm also not going to talk the topic to death. It doesn't take an MBA to learn this - it just takes one mistake. But hey, if you don't want to learn, then you never will!