Who should prepare your Operations Manual?

When determining who should prepare your Operations Manual, it is crucial to consider the role and knowledge of the individual responsible for this task. The first person you hire is likely to have a fresh perspective and a strong incentive to establish a solid foundation for your organization's operations. This individual would be directly invested in the company's success and would bring new ideas that align with the company's vision and objectives.

By being involved from the outset, this person can ensure that the Operations Manual reflects the actual practices and culture of the organization rather than being a generic document. Their firsthand experience with the company's initial processes and their understanding of operational needs can lead to a more practical and useful Manual. It helps to create clarity in procedures, systematize operations, and guide future hires in aligning with the company’s goals. Engaging someone with a fresh start also means the Manual can be developed with a user-centered approach, addressing current operational challenges right from the beginning.

Other roles, such as the office manager or senior team members, may already have established practices that could create bias in how the Manual is formed. While external consultants can provide valuable insights based on their experiences, they may not be as intimately acquainted with the specific nuances of the company’s operations compared to someone who is there from the