How to

There is nothing like having to document something to show you how complex it actually is.  I signed on to write procedures for the admin processes at Temple Micah and it could be a big job.

Temple Micah is an extremely successful enterprise that runs on a shoestring budget when it comes to administration.  It has always been blessed with having a small band of dedicated, competent staff to do things that might seem mundane, but are necessary to keep things running smoothly.

Right now the entire set of admin activities is being coordinated by a brilliant 22-year-old who might go back to either graduate school or rabbinical school in the fall.  It occurred to the Board that it might be a good idea to document what the office staff does before the departure of key people.

So I will probably be working in a volunteer capacity a half day every week until the documentation is complete.  It’s actually sort of fun to go behind the scene and learn how things work.

Today I took lots of notes on how to create the weekly service sheets for Friday and Saturday services and how to produce the weekly e-mail sent to the entire congregation.  These were both things I had given little thought too, noticing only the occasional typo that appeared.

I learned just how many details there are in these two processes.  How many people’s input is necessary.  How many things vary from one week to the next.  How many people are involved in proofing.  I was actually exhausted after watching and taking notes for 3 hours.

At my husband’s suggestion we installed software that allows for screen shots that will more easily illustrate what needs to be done.

Tonight I will attempt to write up my notes.  After editing and insertion of the screen shots by the 22-year-old admin genius, we will find someone who has never done these tasks and turn them loose with the procedures to see just how complete they are.

There are around 30 more procedures to be written, so it may be a long time before this project is done.

I will have a much greater respect the next time I encounter the products of either of the procedures I documented today.  Hopefully they will result in a smooth transition as new staff replace those who might leave.