Your power is in your process
Posted on 4th July 2019 at 08:15
Article 5 of 6 about The EOS Model™
It's the secret ingredient in your organisation. It's how you make your business 'just work'. Let's find out more about process.
In my previous articles on the components of a healthy business, we’ve talked about your vision, people and data. We’ve also discussed how to 'smoke out your issues'. Today, it’s time to talk about the component that makes your business run like a well-oiled machine, process.
With EOS, strengthening your process component is your passport to consistency and scalability. Let’s find out more.
What is process?
In EOS, process is 'the way you do things'. Core processes are the most important actions that drive your business. The goal is to 'systemise' your business by identifying, simplifying and documenting your core processes. Then, you get everyone in your business on the same page, following the correct procedures. This creates consistency and allows you to efficiently scale your business. It makes your business easier to manage, more profitable, with fewer headaches.
The first step is to identify your core processes. Gather your leadership team together to pick out the most essential processes. It could be a procedure in HR or Sales, Finance or Customer Service. It could be anywhere.
Documenting your core processes
The next step is to document your core processes. This means writing down the steps required to complete a specific process. It is not a manual, it’s a formal way to create an agreed procedure.
How many processes should you document? – At EOS, we have a 20/80 rule. Document 20% of your processes that lead to 80% of your results.
It’s desirable to get input from the people in your organisation who actually perform these core tasks. They can give you the technical viewpoint that you may not otherwise have. It will also help with the rollout if your staff feel that they have had a say in how things are done.
Why is process important?
It's essential for the health of your business to document your core processes:
It guarantees that the most important tasks in your business are performed in the best way, every time. This makes your business more profitable.
When your processes are documented, you can easily see steps that don’t need to be there. It eliminates those unnecessary we've always done it this way' steps. This simplifies your core processes.
You can create checklists to ensure consistency. This helps your staff follow your procedures.
Get your core processes followed by all
Once your core processes are documented, you need to roll them out across your organisation. You may encounter resistance as some members of staff may fear that these documents take something away from them, such as status or control. However, you can keep them on the same page by explaining how your processes align with your vision. If you have involved your staff in the documentation, it should help bring them along.
When everyone in your organisation is following your documented core processes:
They know the right way to do things
They are properly trained and can train up new team members
Everything is measured and managed
Strengthening your process component
Once you have completed identifying, simplifying and documenting your core processes, then rolled them out across your business, you can look for ways to improve them. Are there steps which could be improved by applying technology?
In addition, because everyone knows what they’re doing, you don’t actually have to be there. The business can run without you. This makes it much simpler to expand your business into new locations. It also provides peace of mind. You can have a holiday and your company will still be there when you get back!
Over to you
If any of this resonates with you, let’s get together.
To find out if you have the right people in the right seats, or more about EOS, please contact me to schedule a free 90-Minute Meeting with your leadership team.
Please know, this is NOT a high-pressure sales pitch. It’s just the simplest, best way for you and your team to connect with an EOS Implementer for a detailed overview of the system, the tools and the process.
There’s no charge for this meeting, and no obligation. It’s a valuable learning event that will answer all your questions and fully equip you and your team to decide how best to move forward with EOS (or not).
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