Are You Overcomplicating Your Processes?

I went out to dinner with some friends the other night and we ended up at one of the best ice cream places in town. After a couple of samples, then three cups later, we headed out to find a table outside.

I took a minute to return to the bathroom and immediately pulled out my phone. Gross, I know, but here we are.

Why did I pull my phone? To take a picture of their paper towel dispenser.

The paper towel dispenser had a note taped to it that read “Plz refill at this level” with an arrow. 

I imagined the owner or manager walking into the bathroom, pulling out the last paper towel, and being slightly annoyed. I imagined that annoyance caused them to take 15 seconds to create this note. 

15 seconds to create a process for their business. (yes, this all really does go through my mind!)

It solidified that processes don’t have to be fancy and it reminded me of the note we had on our disinfectant spray at The Hatchery…”Refill at this line.”

I did my business, washed my hands, and headed back out to our table. I immediately showed my two friends because they’re business owners and could appreciate the note. They did and before you think we’re not cool…we totally are, okay :) 

When we think about creating processes and procedures for our businesses, we think it’s going to be overwhelming, complicated, and awful.

I mean, I wouldn’t say it’s the most exciting thing to do, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be those three things.

A process can literally be a note taped to a paper towel dispenser and when an employee sees the paper towels are at that level, they go get the paper towels and refill it.

Simple., Yet very effective.

When you think through the little and big things you do while running your business, are there any quick and simple processes you can create that can empower your employees (or potential employees) to take action without asking or being told?

Do like this ice cream shop did and don’t overthink it or overcomplicate it!

And if your mind starts swirling and starts to overcomplicate what this would look like and causes you to freeze instead of taking action… My two-hour brainstorming sessions are perfect for working through determining what your processes are and even creating some of them 🎉