Systems > People

When things go wrong, it’s likely because your systems failed.

When you have a well-working system, processes are able to be executed by anyone, at the right time, regardless of experience and expertise.

If you solely rely on people to make things happen how and when they should, systems will inevitably break.

Systems are the unitary whole of what you’re looking to achieve, while processes are the individual parts inside the system that make it function.

Great systems are:

1. Simple

• Easy to understand
• Have a clear purpose

The simpler a system, the less likely it is to break.

If someone does not understand the system, take ownership to clarify and simplify it.

2. Sticky

What makes a system last?

• Clear triggers for every process (reactive or time-based)
• Alerts for when processes are overdue

Sticky systems have allowed me to step away from the day-to-day operations of businesses that I own.

3. Self-Regulating

How do you know if a system is functioning as intended?

• Clear success criteria
• Alerts for incorrectly executed processes
• Automated scheduled reporting

If your systems are simple, sticky, and self-regulating, you will have a much easier time onboarding, and it will be harder for them to fail.

To learn more about how to optimize individual processes, click here.

Go ahead and try it:

1. Clarify the purpose
2. Simplify the system
3. Optimize internal process
4. Clarify the system’s success criteria
5. Implement automatic reporting

See you all next Thursday 👋

PS. Whenever you're ready... Here are three more ways I can help you become your most productive self:

1. Access my Free Notion Task Manager → Get Access
2. Get my Notion Personal OS to manage your business & personal life → Learn More
3. If you need help mapping, creating & optimizing your systems → Work With Me

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