The best check for an SOP is a person following it for the first time while you watch. Before that, check that each step is one action, the purpose and trigger are clear, the tools and access are listed, there are done checks and exceptions, and someone owns it.
1. Purpose and trigger
Does the first line say why the process exists and when to use it? "When a new client signs, within two business days."
2. One action per step
Each step starts with a verb and does one thing. "Send the welcome email and book the kickoff" is two steps.
3. Nothing is assumed
Look for words like "the usual," "as normal" or "the template." Which template? Where is it? Add links.
4. Access and tools
Does a new person have access to every tool the SOP uses? List them at the top. Test the links.
5. Done checks
How does someone know they did it right? "The client has replied to the welcome email." "The project has every milestone."
6. Exceptions
What goes wrong often? What should the person do? "No reply in 2 days → call."
7. Owner and review date
One person who keeps it current. A date to review it, usually every 6 to 12 months.
8. The real test
Give the SOP to someone who has never done the task. Watch them follow it. Do not help. Every pause or question is a missing line. Fix and test again.
A checklist
[ ] Purpose and trigger in the first lines[ ] One action per step, each starting with a verb[ ] No "the usual" or unlinked references[ ] Tools and access listed[ ] Done checks at the end[ ] Common problems and what to do[ ] Owner and review date[ ] Tested by someone new
Draft or improve it
The free SOP generator turns a messy description into numbered steps, and lists the gaps a new person would hit.
Use the SOP in the review
Keep the SOP in a project's standards library in M-Tracker. When someone finishes the process, their work gets a first review against its done checks. No screenshots and no activity tracking.
Where M-Tracker fits
M-Tracker gives every task a clear brief and every finished piece of work a first review, in plain words, before it reaches the manager. No screenshots, no scores.
Try M-Tracker free14-day trial. No credit card. No employee surveillance.
Questions people ask
How many people should test it?
One or two new people is usually enough.
What about screenshots in SOPs?
Helpful for software steps. Update them when the screens change.
Work you can trust, without redoing it.
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