Documentation: what is the big deal?

Why establish processes and document it?
I happen to be in charge of operational processes, business documentation and implementation at work. It’s a growing organization with a grand vision that has the ability to transform the way construction is done in Nigeria…but most times I wonder…
Will it be done well enough for it to last through generations to come?
A lot of Nigerian businesses die with their founders and some don’t last through the second generation. It is hard to come by indigenous companies with history founded way back when in Nigera.
I recently had to explain the need for documentation to someone I thought should know better, the response I got,…will it yield tangible money right now?…got me thinking.
Could the lack of documentation be one of the major reasons Nigerian companies are not sustained through generations?
Ideas and vision die with the owner and the next generation is left to wonder how things should work and in what direction the business should be geared especially in our constantly changing world.
If done properly, documentation should capture the essence of a business and goes a long way in  aiding sustainability.
That is besides the fact that it enables the founder/CEO/MD and employees stay focused towards achieving shared goals and objectives. Another reason you should documemt is that it helps you to keep track of your business, helps you to benchmark, manage quality and performance, helps your staff to understand their roles and responsibilities, buy into the vision of the organization and enables effectiveness and efficiency.
When in doubt, you can always go back and read the mission statement or vision.
These advantages are not exhaustive but I hope should be enough to make you want to get started.
In a culture where the now is more important and sustainability is hardly on the mind of people, if the change we seek is to truly happen, we need to start questioning the norms that led us here.
Are you more interested in making money and a name now or are you interested in leaving a lasting legacy?
If the latter, then you should start by taking the necessary steps that will ensure the sustainability of your endeavours now!
Documentation is important and a vital factor in effectiveness, efficiency, continuous improvement and sustainability of any organisation.

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