Process Matters as Much as Product

I have a shower routine. Don’t worry, I’ll spare you the details. You probably have one as well if you are honest. If not, get one. Your spouse will thank you.

You live processes everyday. You do things in the same way over and over. Why is it that things aren’t improving?

To quote Andy Stanley,

“What you are doing right now is perfectly designed for the results you are getting.”

No wonder lackluster results repeat.

process matters

Take a look at these four benefits of more clearly defining your processes:

1) Clarity for Others Yields Clarity for the Leader.

It is hard work to communicate clearly. I’ve become an expert at falling on my face in this area.

Pick one small area. Make it much clearer for another person. Then evaluate the impact not only on them, but on you.

Be careful:Β What may seem clear in your head may not be clear in the minds of others. If you at least try to be clear, you’ll thrust yourself ahead of where you were.

What may seem clear in your head may not be clear in the minds of others. Click To Tweet

2) A Clear Process Equips Others.
Leaders don’t develop others because they never defined the process (or the product). If you lack a process, you’ll lack initiative towards the product.

Those you lead will always want more clarity. I believe most people want to perform well. Many don’t know how, don’t have the proper information, or don’t have process clarity:

3) Process clarity multiplies development.
When you lead others into a fog they will likely lead others in the fog until they can jump out. Never forget this.

When you lead others into a fog they will likely lead others in the fog until they can jump out. Click To Tweet

Lead others into a clear future with a clear process and they will naturally replicate the same in others. They’ll know how to train someone from the start.

4) Process clarity reduces your workload.
Boy did I need to write and read this. I sabotage my productivity when I resist systematization.

You know what that’s like. You create a process. You forget it. Then you recreate it differently. The process changes every time. Your resistance to it grows.

Clarify your process up front. Short-term, your workload increases. Long-term, your satisfaction increases along with your team’s.

Project:
A) Isolate an area of your job or personal life that needs process clarity.
B) Make it very clear.
C) Ask someone else to poke holes in it. (test it)
D) Refine it again.
E) Leave a comment here telling me about it.

Is that process clear enough? πŸ™‚

Ps. If this seems overwhelming, try it anyway. Remember, I’ve failed at this more than I’ve succeeded. You may too. But what you learn in the process of creating process clarity will always be worth the effort.

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