6 Question's to ask when creating an SOP

Making an SOP shouldn’t feel like writing a novel. This 6-step list from Ayman Al Abdul nails it. It’s short, clear, and keeps your team moving without confusion.

Why this image rocks

Each question builds logic into the workflow. Start with why to anchor purpose. Define the who and what for accountability. The rest—when, how, and how it connects—adds timing, clarity, and context. It’s like storyboarding a process before anyone touches a keyboard.

Why it works

• Gives clarity of purpose and ownership
• Reduces guesswork in execution
• Scales easily across teams
• Keeps consistency even when new people join
• Saves time rewriting instructions later

Examples

• McDonald’s uses SOPs to train staff fast in 100+ countries.
• HubSpot scales support using clear playbooks with roles and steps.
• Amazon warehouses run smooth with precise who-what-when-how docs.