Simply put, it is to form an operational list of the process of doing something, or to make things stupid, programmed and automated, and then just follow this list in the future. I used to call this method methodology. Later, I thought that methodology is a series of principles, and it is better to call it SOP when it is applied.
For example, the four cartoons on the instant noodle bag teach people how to make instant noodles, which is a SOP. As long as you follow the process, you can make qualified noodles.
This method is often used to assist the pilot's operation on the plane, simplifying a series of complicated operations, and the pilot only needs to follow the operation, thus minimizing the possibility of human error.
The same is true in hospitals, where nurses carry out a series of operations according to regulations when giving drugs to prevent the occurrence of wrong drugs.
The productivity revolution of human society depends on this method to a great extent, which turns the experience of skilled workers into a complete set of operating procedures, and then any newcomer can follow it without a lot of training. This sounds like a very simple method, but it took a long time for human beings to realize the power of this method.
Personally, I think this method is effective. For example, when I go to the gym, I often find that I forgot to bring my card, water, towels and so on. In short, I will miss one thing. Later, I wrote a list of things I need to bring, arranged them in the order I took them, and put them next to my bag. I just need to follow the list every time, so I won't miss anything, even if I'm thinking about something else when I do this, as long as I can follow the list, I won't make mistakes.
For example, to read a book, you don't need to have many years of reading experience, you just need to answer "What is the conclusion of this book?" What arguments are involved? What is the argument? What is the procedure? ..... ",with this process to answer, you can basically grasp the content of a book, a skilled reader has actually internalized this process.
Everything that can be taught can form an SOP, but the complexity of the formation may vary greatly.
For example, teaching people how to do scientific research to form a SOP is much more complicated than teaching people to origami airplanes, but it can still be formed; Such as recipes; Workflow (including reimbursement, purchase, stamping, signature, etc. ); Learning process (When learning a new concept, you must ask yourself: What is this concept? Not what? What is the connection with known concepts? Where can it be used? ); For example, driving requires a series of operations such as stepping on the clutch, shifting gears, releasing the brakes, releasing the clutch, and supplying oil. Turn left when you turn left, and keep your distance when you see other cars ... As long as you list this process and stick it in front of you, everyone can drive. Of course, it may be bumpy, so don't go on the road. But as long as you master this set of operating procedures skillfully, you will eventually learn to drive. ……
In fact, we may find that SOP has been used intentionally or unintentionally in the reading process, or we may think that it is a list or a process, but it is necessary to understand and consciously apply this concept. Progress is not to sum up laws from experience and apply them. The significance of SOP lies in simplifying the process, releasing brain power, improving efficiency and enhancing learning ability, which is of great benefit to personal growth.