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Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are important in a business.

As the name implies, they set the standards for how your business operates and also provide instructions for your team to carry out the work with a good degree of consistency. For highly successful businesses, they are at the foundational core; and the mission, vision, and values of the company tie directly to the SOP.

Business leaders know the value of SOPs for operations.

But they fail to consider how different PEOPLE on their team operate.

Leading a team, for many, is like leading a business without an SOP. It is experimental, inconsistent, inefficient, and chaotic. Results are not achieved; and the mission, vision, and values are not communicated or upheld. Turnover is high, and engagement is low. Roles are undefined and goals are unclear, causing uncertainty, confusion, and frustration. And often, this is simply because the leader doesn’t understand how each person on the team could operate at their best.

While each person is unique and gifted with certain strengths and life experiences; there are some commonalities leaders should know that will help each person operate at their highest level. These commonalities are normally a combination of four distinct personality styles.

• D Style – These team members initiate action, push through obstacles, and drive an idea to the finish line. They are committed to goals and gifted with tenacity.
• I Style – These team members contribute ideas, people strengths, and the ability to influence. They are gifted with a contagious enthusiasm that draws people to take action and have fun in the pursuit of goals.
• S Style – These team members connect people, processes, resources, and details together to pave the way to results. They possess the innate ability to create a smooth flow in the operations of a business and to support the team as they work toward goals.
• C Style – These team members represent the logic, analysis, development, and quality side of a business. They ensure that everything is done thoroughly, efficiently, and in a quality manner; and that a full report of accounting and future improvements follows.

When a leader realizes the primary styles of each team member, they are able to set them up for success by providing the opportunities, tools, and environment for each to operate at their very best.

When it comes to the people side of operations, the more you can help each person develop their own unique SOP, the stronger your team will be. You can use tools like the Maxwell DISC Method to help them get started. This helps to identify their key strengths and their best work environments. It also helps teams to understand the unique communication and work style of each team member.

Think about it. Why would you invest heavily in the operations side of your business without considering the people side as well? For a business to thrive, it takes a focus on both, done well.

As the CEO of Strength Leader Development, Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after international executive mentor, coach, trainer, and speaker. Deb is well versed in global business operations and helps business leaders and their teams to discover and leverage their strengths, so they can create highly collaborative teams that deliver great results. With a refreshingly direct style, and using the Maxwell Method, Deb helps leaders and teams to deliver profitable results. Connect with Deb to learn more about her mentorship and coaching programs to equip you with advanced strategies to elevate your results