What makes a good SOP?

Clear, usable, step-by-step, and kept where the work happens. If it is too long or too buried, people ignore it.

What is the difference between an SOP and a process?

A process is how work flows in general. An SOP is the specific, documented instructions for carrying out a defined task within it.

← Glossary

Operations & process

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Also known as: SOP, standard operating procedures

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a documented, step-by-step description of how a specific task or process should be carried out.

Key takeaways

An SOP is a documented, step-by-step description of how a task or process should be done.
It moves know-how out of people's heads and into the system.
The trick is writing SOPs people will actually follow, not a binder nobody opens.

SOPs move know-how out of people's heads and into the system, so the business does not stall when a key person is away and new hires can get up to speed quickly. The trick is writing SOPs people will actually follow: clear, usable, and kept where the work happens, not a binder nobody opens.

SOPs are one of the main defences against founder dependency. See the SOP Creation service.

When it applies

The business stalls when a key person is away.
Onboarding is slow because knowledge is not written down.
The same questions get asked and answered repeatedly.

Frequently asked

What makes a good SOP?: Clear, usable, step-by-step, and kept where the work happens. If it is too long or too buried, people ignore it.
What is the difference between an SOP and a process?: A process is how work flows in general. An SOP is the specific, documented instructions for carrying out a defined task within it.

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