Writing an SOP That Actually Gets Read
Most SOPs are too long, too generic, and read like they were written by a lawyer. Here's how to write one your team uses.
An SOP nobody reads is a wish list. An SOP everyone reads is a contract.
- Open with the trigger — 'When X happens, do this.' Not 'Background and rationale'.
- Steps in imperative voice — 'Do this, then do this.' Not 'It is recommended to consider…'
- Five-step limit for the main flow. Split branches into separate SOPs.
- Mandatory checks at the end — what makes the step done? Be explicit.
- An owner and a review date — both on the document itself, not in a tracker no one opens.
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