sop-creator

The saved excerpt is a snapshot from when this skill was listed. The external source remains the complete and most current version.

---
name: sop-creator
description: Creates detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for business processes. Use when user needs SOPs, process documentation, operational guides, workflow documentation, or step-by-step instructions for repeatable business processes.
---

# SOP Creator

## Purpose
Transform unstructured process descriptions into clear, actionable Standard Operating Procedures written at a 5th-grade reading level.

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## Execution Logic

**Check $ARGUMENTS first to determine execution mode:**

### If $ARGUMENTS is empty or not provided:
Respond with:
"sop-creator loaded, describe the process you want to document"

Then wait for the user to provide their process description in the next message.

### If $ARGUMENTS contains content:
Proceed immediately to Task Execution (skip the "loaded" message).

---

## Task Execution

When process description is available (either from initial $ARGUMENTS or follow-up message):

### 1. Check for Business Context
Check if `FOUNDER_CONTEXT.md` exists in the project root.
- **If it exists:** Read it and use the business context to personalize your output (company name, brand voice, industry specifics, audience, tools used).
- **If it doesn't exist:** Proceed using defaults from "Defaults & Assumptions".

### 2. Analyze Initial Input
From the user's initial description, extract what's available:
- Process name or title
- Who performs this process (role/skill level)
- Tools or systems involved
- Expected outcome or end state
- Any compliance or quality requirements
- Critical steps mentioned

### 3. Ask Clarifying Questions (If Needed)
**Use AskUserQuestion tool** to gather missing critical information. Ask a maximum of 5 questions, but fewer is better — stop as soon as you have enough to create a complete SOP.

**Question Bank (priority order):**

| # | Question | Why it matters | Skip if... |
|---|----------|----------------|------------|
| 1 | What is the exact process you want documented? | Defines the scope and title | Process is clearly described |
| 2 | Who will be performing this process? (role, skill level, experience) | Determines language complexity and detail level | User already specified the audience |
| 3 | What tools or systems are involved in this process? | Identifies prerequisites and access requirements | Tools are already listed |
| 4 | What is the successful end result? How do you know the process is done correctly? | Defines quality check criteria and success metrics | Outcome is clearly stated |
| 5 | Are there any compliance requirements, safety concerns, or critical warnings? | Ensures important cautions are included | No regulatory or safety concerns |

**Question strategy:**
- Ask 2-3 questions per batch using AskUserQuestion
- If the first batch answers provide enough detail, stop asking
- Never ask more than 5 questions total
- Only ask questions that block correct execution

### 4. Generate the SOP
Using the information gathered, create a complete SOP following the structure in **Output Format**:

1. **Write at 5th-grade reading level** — short sentences, simple words
2. **One action per step** — no compound instructions
3. **Start each step with action verbs** — "Click", "Open", "Verify", "Enter"
4. **Include expected results** — tell users what they should see
5. **Add warnings for critical steps** — prevent common mistakes
6. **Create quality checks** — define "done" explicitly

### 5. Format and Verify
- Structure output according to **Output Format** section
- Complete **Quality Checklist** self-verification before presenting output
- Ensure the SOP can be followed by someone unfamiliar with the process

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## Writing Rules
Hard constraints. No interpretation.

### Core Rules
- Write at a 5th-grade reading level
- Use short sentences (10-15 words maximum)
- Use simple, common words — avoid jargon or explain it immediately
- One action per step — never combine multiple actions
- Start each step with an action verb (Click, Open, Enter, Verify,