Great processes and how to design them

Once you can spot a poor process and identified the problem, what does better look like? And how do you design a better process?

First thing to note is that great processes don’t just “work”, they flow. They make it easy for people to do the right thing, at the right time, with minimal friction.

Here’s what a good process looks like

• Clear purpose - Everyone involved understands why the process exists and what it’s meant to achieve.

• Fewer handovers - The process is streamlined so tasks move smoothly, without bouncing between people or teams unnecessarily. 

• Simple steps - Each step adds value. There’s no clutter, no duplication, no “we’ve always done it this way” thinking. 

• Easy to follow - It’s designed with the user in mind. People can follow it without needing to check a manual or guess what’s next. 

• Built-in feedback - The process makes it easy to see when something’s going wrong, so problems are spotted early, not when it’s too late. 

So, how do you design a good process?

Start by talking to the people who do the work. Map out what happens today, and look for steps that don’t add value. Ask: "What gets in the way? What’s confusing? What slows us down? Where's the waste?"

Then design your new way of working, with intention: make it simpler, faster, easier and higher quality.

We recommend using a Value Stream Map to understand your As-Is and for designing your Future State. Read more about these techniques here -->

Good processes free up time, reduce errors, and make work feel better. They’re the foundation of a great organisation and they never happen by accident.

Want support to do this? Drop us an email to schedule a chat. Email hello@ad-esse.com.