Writing yourself out of a job

Sam Leader If you’re ever intending to take extended leave from your work, step sideways into a different role or simply escape one set of tasks to concentrate on another, this one’s for you.

In the new year, I’ll be taking a break from Flying Solo as I’ve got a new full time job lined up. I have no experience and the hours are lousy, but I’ve heard it’s the best job in the world… motherhood.

While I intend to keep an eye on things and return to work relatively soon – I can hear new parents laughing from here – I need to prepare for my absence. This has meant an item that’s lingered on my To Do list has finally got my attention: The Procedures Manual.

Documenting how you do things is a fascinating exercise and one I highly recommend. Here’s why:

1. It’s valuable strategically.

You can’t help but analyse your methods. Is there a better way? When my colleagues take a read, they can ask the same question. Processes get perfected and the business wins out.

2. It makes the business easier to run.

An obvious one, this, but the person left to cover my work won’t need to second guess me on any front. If I can persuade Robert and Peter to finish documenting their methods, too, all three of us could, in theory, vanish on holiday and know Flying Solo will survive. Fear not, though, that scenario is not on the cards!

3. It makes the business easier to sell.

Naturally none of us are going anywhere, we’re all having too much fun. But a Procedures Manual really adds to any business’ saleability. Even if the purchaser rips it up and starts again, it’s a great starting point. Rather than wait til you’re fed up and want to sell before putting pen to paper, it’s best to get started on the manual right now.

Michael Gerber was right, a Procedures Manual provides a solid backbone and is a great asset to any business. I don’t agree with him on other fronts, though, but that’s a separate newsletter.

Right, best get on with the manual’s ‘Flying Solo newsletter’ entry before the holes in my brain get any bigger.

Have I inspired you to bump ‘write procedures’ up your own to do list? Have you got a story of how your manual rescued your business? Or is the whole exercise a big fat waste of time? Tell us what you think.

Love your work,

Sam Leader is a director of Flying Solo and its editor. She is the co-author of Flying Solo - How to go it alone in business.

23 comments | Add your own 1 2 3 4 | Next» View all»

I cannot recommend more highly the strategic impact on a business than a well documented and well used operations manual. The biggest factor that makes a potential buyer say "NO" is fear of not being able to run the business they are buying. And Sam is spot on - it makes a huge impact on the growth and profitability of any business - as long as it is a manual that is implemented. You also need to make sure the procedures documented are actually implemented, and that key decisions don't rely on key individuals. The manual and sufficient role definition should empower staff to make the right decisions with the right information at the right time. Getting the manual documented is a critical first step - there is 1 or 2 workshops that should follow to "align" everyone with the procedures.
Great website and newsletter - love your work!!! Mike Williams - Maxell Consulting from Melbourne
Well done Sam! Motherhood - arguably one of the most important jobs on the planet. Intuition may be your best manual on this one. I wish you great happiness. Col. Colin M Stott from an office tingling with ideas in Melbourne!
Congratulations Sam.
There is only one other feeling that equals parenthood and that is Grand parenthood.
Without manuals how on earth do we expect someone else to step into our shoes. I wrote a manual when my son entered the business, and within a few days I was able to step back and concentrate working on the business and not working in the business. From this simple manual he was able to train others, until we had ten. patrick Burgess from north Ryde NSW
I'm in the process of phasing out my employment with a small business that's been a big part of my life for the last 4 years.
"the procedures manual" I've started as part of my succession plan has opened so many cans of worms that I'm now inundated with issues of consistency and simply too many procedures in my head and not on paper. I guess I never thought I'd leave!
All I can say is I should have started this ages ago and been much more dilligent about keeping track of how I do things. Hopefully others can benefit from my experience! Martin from Sydney
Congratulations Sam! I've taken the 'lousy hours, most fulfulling' mother job twice now, and the operations manual I wrote long before I was first preganant has been invaluable. With a great team, my business not only ticked over, it grew while I was off exploring motherhood. My only wish: that babies' came with ops manuals too! Philippa Lowe from Sydney
I agree that procedures manuals are a must in any business - small or large. Staff go away on leave, resign, call in sick etc and it's crucial to have a manual so anyone in the business can carry on the work.
I've worked with a few clients now in setting up their procedure manuals and I love it because it allows me to get involved in their business and see where I can help improve their administration processes and procedures. Another thing to note is that these manuals are living documents - you can't just set one up once and leave it. They must be reviewed regularly, edited and added to. Laura Trenerry from Your Online Admin from Sydney

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