055 – What is a system? It’s Documented Work!

You can download the Flowchart of this process here: https://millermarketingandtraining.com/work-with-me

Step two in this module called, The Best Way – Matching Work Types with Template Types

In this episode we discuss template types

WHAT IS A SYSTEM?

A method – a form of procedure for accomplishing something –

Intention: a determination to act in a certain way

The best way to describe a system is by describing how to document it!

That’s huge – say that again!

That gives new meaning to the phrase…

“It’s not a system until it’s written down” – Michael Gerber

There are more ways to document a system than just writing it down.

A system says, This is how we do things here.  Which also says, “this is how we do NOT do things here.”

What is a system?

It is a method!  It is intention

The Story of Bonefish Grill – How do they do that?

How do you document a system?

Templates.  A preset format for a document, used so that the format does not have to be recreated each time it is used.

• Think fill in the blank


• The template is asking you questions and your answers fill in the blanks

Types of templates:

• Fill in the blank forms


• Checklists – the checklist manifesto! Huge idea that is dangerously familiar and simple


• Signs and Labels


• Step by step instructions. Step 1, then step 2, then…

Other methods for Documenting a system

• Pictures – before and after, and how the finished product should look


• Diagrams – think putting together KIA furniture


• Videos – training videos. Imagine how hard this was just 20 years ago.  Or 50 years ago.  Videos are so easy to make today.  Create your own training videos

Systems Thinking is not just about you the business owner – BUT making systems thinking part of the DNA of your company culture. Which means that part of your company culture is TRAINING – and for training to stick you need Training Manuals

A Training Manual is a collection of all of your Systems Documentation in one place.

All your templates, signs, diagrams, etc.

All your pictures and videos and Any other way you document your work

Systems Manuals ARE ESSENTIAL as a WAY to TEACH and Train systems Thinking.

Teaching the Recipes from the Cookbook

Next episode – we’ll take this one step further with the goal of creating your systems manuals for training.

The STO Creation Process