We’ve probably all heard the saying, “Systems make good people, great.”

But what are systems exactly?

And how do we use them to make the client experience better, while also driving the commercial success of the business?

Let’s start from the bottom, and work our way up.

1. Actions
If we look at a business from a bird’s eye view, we can imagine it as a collection of actions. For example:

You clean the front window
You correct a client’s form as they complete a deadlift
You turn off the lights at the end of the day
All of these are simple actions.

2. Tasks
One step up from this are the tasks.

These are collections of actions, grouped together in line with certain objectives.

You wipe the front window and pull any weeds starting to appear on the facility frontage, and give the door handle a disinfect: you’ve completed the task of sprucing up the exterior appearance of the gym.
You coach a group of clients over a 50-minute period: you’ve completed the task of delivering an effective SGPT session.
3. Processes
Processes are groups of tasks.

You spruce up the exterior appearance of the gym, turn on the coffee machine, replenish the drinks fridge, etc: you’ve completed the gym opening process.
Two coaches follow a rota to work together to deliver coaching for 50 clients over the course of a week: they’ve completed the weekly coaching process.
4. Systems
Systems are the final step.

They are collections of processes grouped together to create a logical approach to operations and strategy.

You create a front of house checklist, job descriptions, and lines of accountability for a staff member to take care of the daily upkeep of the facility: you’ve created a system to keep the gym looking showroom ready, 24/7.
You create a programming blueprint, training manifesto, and staff rota: you’ve formulated a system for delivering coaching.
Key Takeaway
Understanding how these four elements sit within one another to create systems is essential if you want to play a leadership role in the business. Systems allow you to gather together every action taken in the business into coherent frameworks, maximising the effort you put in and minimising wasted time and money.