Purpose Precedes Process

January 15th, 2012 // @ Tanmay

If process is a vehicle, purpose is the compass. Purpose gives a definite direction to processes. People (and their expertise) are the drivers. Technology acts as an accelerator.

Most system implementation or change initiatives focus enough on the P-P-T – People, process and technology and somewhere along the lines, the focus on purpose blurs. I have seen improvement experts who are always on the quest to find the next new thing, a fancy template or a complex matrix document that they can include in their ‘kitty’ of best practices. Being “process oriented” is definitely an asset, unless that is the only thing you are focusing on.

If you constantly teach/propagate processes to your people, they would comply at the least. But if you sell them a compelling purpose, a powerful “why” and then show them “how” a particular process element would help them meet that purpose, process buy-in comes naturally.

Focus on purpose is also a great tool to identify waste in your system. Constant alignment with a purpose helps you focus on what is absolutely essential, what can be simplified and what is not needed at all. In a constantly changing external environment, businesses can stay on top of their game with a strong commitment to purpose.

People first respond to purpose, and then need tools to achieve that purpose.

Bottom line? Sell the purpose and process will take care of itself.