Ever feel a slight internal cringe when someone starts talking about “the process”? That subtle shift in the conversation that makes you just a little bit uneasy? You’re not alone! It turns out that this common reaction might be rooted in some pretty primal human instincts.

Decoding the process: It’s more than just cogs and charts

When we hear “process,” our minds often conjure up images of sterile factory floors with relentless machinery churning away, or perhaps a daunting, multi-page document filled with rigid protocols. And you know what? You’re not wrong.

Processes are about how things change and the rules that govern those changes. Whether it’s transforming raw materials into a finished product or navigating the steps to complete a task, a process defines the journey and the boundaries.

The lizard brain says “No!” to change 🦎

Here’s where things get interesting. That little voice in the back of our heads, the one often referred to as our “lizard brain,” is wired for survival. And historically, change has often signaled potential danger. Before we can fully grasp the implications of something new, our instinct is to proceed with caution, or even outright avoidance.
Now, consider processes. Their very essence is change. They are designed to take something in and transform it into something else. So, naturally, our innate aversion to the unknown can kick in. But here’s the crucial difference: well-designed processes aren’t about random upheaval. They are about planned change, change with a purpose – to add value. The goal is a better output, a more efficient way of doing things. And because these changes are carefully thought out, they become predictable, stripping away the scary uncertainty our lizard brain dislikes.

Rules: Not roadblocks, but guardrails for greatness 🚧

The other part of the “process puzzle” that can trigger our discomfort is the idea of rules. We often equate rules with stifled creativity and a limitation on our freedom. “Thinking outside the box” is something we value, and rightly so – it’s been a driving force in human evolution.
But what if we shifted our perspective on process rules? Instead of seeing them as restrictive handcuffs, what if we viewed them as the standards that keep the process on track? These aren’t arbitrary limitations; they’re the guidelines that ensure a consistent and desired outcome. And here’s the exciting part: these standards aren’t set in stone! The very people who work within these processes hold the key to their evolution. Their insights and experiences can lead to improvements, refining the rules and ultimately enhancing the output.

Beyond the fear: A world of fascinating dynamics ✨

Once we look beyond the initial apprehension towards change and rules, a whole new world opens up. The realm of processes is actually a dynamic and fascinating space filled with intricate steps that can be observed, analyzed, and, most importantly, improved.
Think about it: wherever there’s a transformation happening, a process is at play. Whether it’s the seamless delivery of your favorite online order (logistics), the creation of a life-saving medication (manufacturing), or the smooth handling of your customer service inquiry (service). Even processes designed to maintain consistency, like quality control, are actively working to ensure the output meets the desired standards.

So, What exactly is a process, if not something scary? 🤔

In its simplest form, a process takes inputs and transforms them into outputs. These inputs and outputs can be tangible goods, data, or even the result of another process entirely. The characteristics of what goes in directly influence what comes out. And while the outputs are intended to be desirable, they are always different from the initial inputs.
The magic happens in the process steps – the specific activities that are applied to the inputs to create the outputs. This is where often invisible, yet crucial, changes occur. It’s also where data analysis, statistics, and even AI come into play, helping us predict how inputs will affect outputs and how to optimize the transformation. The architects of these steps, the process engineers and technologists, delve deep into the design to make these transformations understandable, controllable, and scalable.

How does understanding processes actually help you? 💡

Ultimately, a well-functioning process is a delicate balance between all its moving parts – the inputs, the outputs, and the steps in between. Even the most efficient process will eventually need refinement, which is why understanding every detail of the transformation is so vital.
This understanding comes from measurement – analyzing real-time data or using simulations to generate insights. Tools like Digital Twins allow us to experiment with different settings and see the potential impact without disrupting the actual process. The more consistently a process performs well, the higher the likelihood of achieving the desired quality from the inputs and standards.

The beauty of detail (or lack thereof) 🔍

Here’s the great thing about processes: the level of detail can be tailored to your needs. A manager might only need a high-level overview with broad steps and multiple inputs and outputs. In contrast, a technologist might require a granular view with single inputs and outputs for precise control. The beauty lies in the fact that you’re still talking about the same underlying process, just at different levels of abstraction. Whether you need to generalize or specialize, there’s a valid reason for both approaches.

The takeaway: processes aren’t the enemy! 💪

So, the next time someone mentions “the process,” try to reframe your thinking. It’s not necessarily a rigid, scary entity. Instead, it’s a framework for understanding how things change, guided by rules that aim for better outcomes. It’s a dynamic area ripe for exploration, analysis, and improvement.
What are some other reasons you might feel hesitant about discussing processes?

Share your thoughts in the comments below – let’s keep the conversation going! 👇