Is process management overrated?

The question is the answer

However, it seems as though this question is rarely asked in the process management bubble. Rather, it is often simply assumed that process management is essential (1.) without taking into account the loud silence of other employees (2.).

Regardless of whether process management is underrated or overrated, skipping this discussion is a fatal mistake. Because until all employees are convinced that more process management actually helps, it is difficult to successfully optimize processes.

And by the way: This problem is not limited to process management. It also poses barriers to effectiveness for many companies in other specialist disciplines, for example in quality management, compliance, organizational development or internal audit.

Conduct root cause research

So instead of continuing to demand like a prayer wheel, “Our processes should live!” , root cause research is needed. The focus is on the following questions:

1. How do I assess whether process management in my organization is underrated or overrated?
2. Why is it that process management in my organization is underrated or overrated?
3. What is the value of process management for “non-process managers”?

The answer to the third question is decisive for the success of process management! The value that employees attach to process management influences their willingness to actively participate in the optimization of processes.

Communicate tangible benefits for individuals

Do employees not see any benefits in process management? It then becomes difficult to convince them in the long term that changing the processes is worthwhile. It is therefore important to highlight the tangible benefits for each individual. This could be a lower workload, for example: When processes run smoothly, duplication of work and unnecessary steps are eliminated. In practice, less stress in everyday working life is a better argument than reduced process costs, which the individual often neither sees nor feels in the short term.

So is process management overrated? It depends on who you ask. But: The personal benefit in process management? Absolutely underrated!