SME Operations Quick Diagnostic

Find the operational gap before you invest in the fix

Is your business struggling because you need more people, better tools, or because something else is broken underneath?

When operations become difficult, the first instinct is often to add something; another employee, another software subscription, another spreadsheet, another training program.

But the visible problem isn't always the real problem.

This quick diagnostic helps you identify where your operational friction is showing up, so you can investigate the right problem before investing in a solution.

In 3–5 minutes, this diagnostic will help you identify where operational friction may be showing up in your business.

How it works:

Answer 10 short questions about your current operations. Your responses will highlight the area that may deserve your attention first.

There are no right or wrong answers. Be honest. The value of the diagnostic depends on how accurately it reflects your business today.

SECTION 1: PROCESS & WORKFLOW

The same task is sometimes done differently depending on who is doing it.

Important processes rely on people knowing what to do rather than having a clear, documented way of working.

SECTION 2: PEOPLE & ACCOUNTABILITY

Tasks sometimes fall through the cracks because it isn't clear who is responsible for them.

I spend a significant amount of time reminding, following up with or checking on people to make sure work gets done.

SECTION 3: INFORMATION & REPORTING

Important business information is scattered across spreadsheets, systems, messages, or people's heads.

I often have information available but struggle to get a clear picture of what is actually happening in the business.

SECTION 4: SYSTEMS & TOOLS

We use tools or systems that don't fit the way work actually happens.

We sometimes add another spreadsheet, app or tool to solve a problem before understanding what is causing the problem.

SECTION 5: MANAGEMENT & DECISION MAKING

Too many operational decisions, approvals or problems still come back to me.

If I were unavailable for a week, important parts of the business would slow down or become difficult to manage.

One Last Question

If you could fix one operational problem in your business tomorrow, what would make the biggest difference?

If you selected "Something else", or you would like to explain your answer, tell us a little more.

Tell us a little bit about your business

We'd like to understand the businesses using this diagnostic. Your details help us identify the operational challenges SMEs are facing and create more relevant resources, insights and webinars.