Write a standard operating procedure
Turns rough notes about how you do a task into a clear, numbered SOP that someone new could follow without asking you.
Write a standard operating procedure for: {{PROCESS}}
My rough notes on how it is done:
{{ROUGH_STEPS}}
Who will follow it: {{AUDIENCE}}
Include:
- Purpose and when to use this SOP, in 2 sentences.
- What you need before starting (access, tools, information).
- Numbered steps. One action per step, starting with a verb. Add the expected result after any step where people get stuck.
- What to do if something goes wrong, for the 2 to 3 most likely problems.
- How to know the task is done.
Then list any step in my notes that is unclear or missing, as questions for me.Example output
Purpose: issue a refund in Shopify within 1 working day. 1. Open the order from the support ticket link. 2. Check the return has been received (status: Returned). ... If the payment failed: escalate to finance in #refunds.
How to use
Record yourself doing the task and paste the transcript as ROUGH_STEPS. Have someone new follow the SOP once and fix every place they had to ask a question.
Why it works
One action per step and an expected result is how good manuals are written, and stating it as rules gets consistent output. The questions at the end catch the steps you do on autopilot and forget to mention.