Today, I'm taking you back into my kitchen. This time, madeleines were on the menu. Or at least, that was the plan. Unfortunately, something went wrong in the execution... Those of you who remember my previous blog might be thinking: there you go again with that recipe shelf of yours, it was bound to go wrong at some point. But that's not the case at all. What you don't know is that I've made madeleines many times before. Granted, it was a few years ago, but I assumed I still knew the recipe well enough. And that's exactly where the problem began.
The risks of the “I already know this” mindset
I thought, I’ll just get this done quickly, I’ve followed this recipe so many times before. I only needed to check the ingredients and quantities. So that's exactly what I did. After barely glancing at the recipe, the ingredients were already in the bowl and the mixer was running. A few minutes later, I realized something wasn't right. It turned out I had skipped a crucial step that was essential to the consistency of the batter.
The pitfall of routine
When we start relying too much on our memory, as I did, things can easily go wrong. Not only in the kitchen, but also within organizations. When employees depend on memory and skip documentation, it can affect business processes or even workplace safety. Fortunately, there are ways to support employees and help prevent this from happening.
When memory replaces documentation
One way is through practical training and by providing tools that support correct actions on the job. Let's take baking as an example once more. Most people don't want to read an entire chapter spanning multiple pages about making madeleines. Instead, they prefer a recipe that fits on a single page and clearly outlines all the ingredients and steps needed to create a successful result.
The same principle applies to workplace documentation. When employees need guidance, they don't want to spend time searching for the right information. Lengthy instruction manuals are often seen as a barrier rather than a helpful resource.
Practical support at the right moment
Correct actions are encouraged through effective training and by ensuring that supporting documentation is available, accessible, and up to date. Knowledge should not only be learned but also maintained and refined when necessary. Keeping knowledge current contributes to a culture in which learning and continuous improvement are central.
As a result, employees feel more involved in the process and are more likely to ask questions when they are unsure about something, or simply take a moment to consult the documentation to be safe. This helps prevent routines and outdated habits from continuing unnoticed and reduces mistakes during those "how did this go again?" moments.
Helping employees act correctly
Eluxis helps organizations develop effective training programs and clear documentation that focus not only on learning but also on keeping knowledge up to date. Curious about what we can do for your organization? Feel free to get in touch!
P.S. As for me, I'll definitely be reading the entire recipe before I start baking again... 😊
Kind regards, Floor
floor.stefess@eluxis.com
LinkedIn: Floor Stefess
