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Standard work

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Quick Answer

Standard work is the lean practice of documenting the current best-known way to perform a task, as the baseline any improvement is measured against.1

What it is

It differs from an SOP in intent rather than in form. An SOP exists so the job is done consistently; standard work exists so that improvement has a baseline — you cannot tell whether a change helped if the previous method was never written down. The practice assumes the standard is temporary and will be replaced by a better one.1

Operational context

What good looks like

Why It Matters

It is the version of documentation that an inherited team is least likely to resist, because it starts by writing down what they already do rather than by prescribing what they should. That makes it a good first move in a shop where the new owner has no credibility yet.1

Term Family

Related concepts

Standard operating procedure (SOP)

Related Questions

Should I promote the best technician to manager?

Usually not by default, and the reason is that you are about to remove your most productive person from production and add a job they have never done.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Standard work in venture capital?

It differs from an SOP in intent rather than in form. An SOP exists so the job is done consistently; standard work exists so that improvement has a baseline — you cannot tell whether a change helped if the previous method was never written down.

Why is Standard work important for startups?

Understanding Standard work is critical for founders navigating the fundraising process. It directly impacts deal terms, valuation, and the relationship between founders and investors.

Sources & References

  1. 1.B1-10 — Lean Enterprise InstituteLean Enterprise InstituteFramework author (canonical)(Standard work is the lean practice of documenting the current best-known way to perform a task, as the baseline any improvement is measured against.)secondary · B1 · operating-cadence · method

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