if this one seems brilliantly simple … it’s because it is. businesses should be standardized with 1 major, crucial, unspeakably important caveat to it: unless it doesn’t make sense.
i say that because many times you will come across something that you can’t put in a box, and if you try wrapping it up in cardboard you’re going to fail. standardize only where standardization makes sense, and unlike cardboard itself, be flexible!
i completely understand that while i enjoy running around by the seat of my pants (life is more exciting that way!) being “reckless” like that in the business world is probably not the best idea. standardizing processes, technologies, documentation, etc. all help — in the long run — to reduce costs, to reduce effort spent, and (hopefully) to increase quality. however, as i mentioned, it’s critical to keep an open mind to everything. business changes. the work you do will change. therefore your standards are also going to have to change along with it. if someone comes to you saying, “i think there’s a better way we can do this..” the following are not acceptable answers: