Writing a Procedure
Ensuring that things get done without mistakes or omissions.
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Procedures – and their close cousins, policies – can be a real pain in the proverbial. Sometimes, they're too tight and restrictive, and at other times, they're vague and lacking in detail. But, if your colleague calls in sick, and you're suddenly responsible for getting the payroll out on time, it's good to have a well-written, detailed procedure to help guide you through.
If done right, procedures can have an important effect on an organization. When written clearly and properly, they can help systems and people function better. If your people know what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and how not to get it wrong, you can reduce frustration and save a tremendous amount of time and effort.
Following a Procedure
Recipes and experiments are examples of this type.
The writing format when following a procedure shows how something can be done through a series of steps.
- *Plan your work by sequentially listing the steps needed to complete the pr5ocedure.
- Begin with an opening statement which outlines the aimand procedure.
- State the direction for the method chronologically. These directions are generally given as commands in an impersonal tone.
- Clear, precise language is necessary.
Image credit - Technical language and jargon may be used.
- Specific details are used to indicate how, when and where particular actions should be performed e.g. On the right, diagonally opposite and beside.
- Connecting words are used to indicate chronological order e.g. before, first, next, as soon as, now and after.
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Sources: EBH Joubert English Grammar
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_78.htm
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