A Small Investment Now
Well written procedures (instructions) are worth their weight in gold, so to speak. Think about it. A single set of instructions can be used over and over by dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of employees (or customers) over a period of many years, with no additional effort or expense. By quickly and efficiently completing the task at hand, they can then focus on other priorities, i.e., get things done.
Writing clear easy-to-follow instructions is a skill that anyone can learn and master. Few activities offer such a spectacular Return on Investment (ROI).
Photo used under Creative Commons from Neil T
The Hidden Cost of Confusion
Conversely, poorly written procedures create a huge drain on productivity. Confused readers waste time through trial and error, searching online for better instructions, and troubling other busy employees, subject matter experts, and help desks. Though cumulative productivity losses can be staggering, they are often hidden and difficult to quantify.
Great Things to Come
In the coming weeks we’ll provide a number of instructional posts on how to write clear, easy-to-follow instructions, using key principles from our Writing and Polishing Effective Procedures seminar. Become skilled in the art of writing effective procedures and you’ll generate an impressive ROI every time.
