SOPs Are Your Friend
What is the first thing you look for when onboarding at a new job? Right after finding the best vending machine for snacks and your favorite lounge area? That’s right, you go looking for how exactly to do your job at that particular company.
Most companies will train you, but there is no way to memorize the collective information in a two-week training! And since your managing team knows that, they have given you the blueprint to succeeding at your new position. We call this blueprint, Standard Operating Procedures, or SOPs for short.
What is an SOP? Well, essentially they are a lay of the land. A guide that details everything from how things are done to who is the point person if you have any questions on a particular topic. All in all, they help you do your job well and be a tremendous asset when it comes to productivity. Here are some tips on how to use SOPs to your advantage:
In your first few weeks at your new job, or when starting an unfamiliar task, review the SOPs frequently. Even when you think you've got the hang of the task, follow along with the procedure as you do each step to ensure you are on the right track. This will help you create muscle memory and confirm that you are doing things correctly.
If you work in a position requiring cross-team interaction, look at other procedures relevant to you and your team. Familiarizing yourself with the procedures of tasks that might involve your expertise will help you understand what to do when it comes time to partner on different projects.
As you work through procedures ask questions! SOPs are guidelines for how to do specific tasks, but there is almost always room for improvement. Once a task becomes second nature, there is a chance that it can be elevated. Is there a procedure that requires seven steps that might only need five? Talk with your supervisor and test it out. Just like business, SOPs are always evolving, and your contribution can help make processes easier and more efficient.
There are plenty of ways to use Standard Operating Procedures to your advantage, and with the above tips, you’ll know your job inside and out in no time!
Joy Madison, Project Manager
