Why should a small business develop a system for all employees to understand?

Often times, a business owner is busy and understands what needs to be accomplished but lacks the time or talent to teach new employees what and how the job needs to be performed.

Small companies need to develop their own system, and it needs to be in black and white. This is so every employee can review it and attempt to understand the framework of the company. As you grow, it will be impossible to do so without a concrete set of instructions as to the standards you want to maintain. It can be as simple as how to clean up the facility, how to enter an invoice, or how to talk with a first-time prospect. Almost every business will have a different list. 

For some, the list may include items that might not interest others. One company might put items on their list like how to keep things clean; an employee that cannot fit in at that level generally doesn’t last. I have friends in other businesses who could care less about cleanliness – what they want are sales and results. 

   —A-1 Awards