We want to lock down our Process Component, but our managers are resisting documenting their workflows because they say they are too busy. How do we get them over this hurdle?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Resistance to documenting processes usually stems from fear of administrative overhead. If your managers feel too busy to document their workflows, it is because they think they need to write a massive, step-by-step training manual.

You must simplify this approach using the EOS® 20/80 Rule. This rule states that twenty percent of your processes yield eighty percent of your results. Teach your team to document only the core steps of each process. You do not need to capture every minor detail; instead, create a high-level checklist of the major milestones that must occur to deliver a consistent result.

Assign clear ownership for each core process on your Accountability Chart. The owner is not responsible for writing everything themselves; they are responsible for ensuring it gets documented and followed by everyone on their team.

Once the high-level steps are captured, use them as training guides for new hires and review them during your weekly Level 10 Meeting™ to resolve any operational bottlenecks. By focusing only on the high-impact steps, you remove the paralysis associated with documentation, enabling your team to lock down the Process Component quickly and consistently.