Our Process Shredder - New Beginnings

As 2020 draws to a close, we can all agree that this year has been a roller coaster. And not the fun kind. With the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world, many would say this year has brought nothing but misfortune.

But 2020 has also given the world a warning and a unique opportunity to re-work some of our rusty old systems. 

It’s a fact that we creatures of habit. The phrase, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", comes to mind. Let's face it - as long as things were running ok, regardless of total efficiency - we didn't always question it. 

But a global pandemic called a lot of that into question. Suddenly, everything needed to be re-evaluated and we were open to throwing out the bits that no longer worked. 

Like, do all offices need to be in buildings? As it turns out, many of our meetings can be done from the comfort (and safety) of our own homes. Would we have ever questioned that before? Maybe. Would we have acted on it? Probably not. Here are just some of the changes to typical/traditional processes that need to take place in a post Covid-19 workforce:

So, why is questioning old processes, not the norm? Just because a process or system worked efficiently 10 years ago - doesn't mean it does today. 

This is exactly what the process shredder is all about. And it starts with one simple question: 

What stops you from getting things done fast?

How simple is that? And think of the countless changes that can be made by asking the right question! 

We, at Consideration, are evangelists about how actively listening to your employees is the key to sustainable businesses. Employees are the business and it’s the processes that they expedite that help create Value. But those processes date as circumstances change and technology improves. So, while carrying out a process, employees are very likely to notice discrepancies or inefficiencies a Manager may be too busy to see; or a new problem may have arisen as the result of a previous change; which ought to beg the next question: Why do we do it that way? And the answer is most often: because that’s the way we do it here!

Questioning your process doesn't necessarily involve throwing out your entire framework. It can be about cutting away the parts that are slowing you down; the parts that do not add value; the parts that are no longer needed or can be replaced by better functions. 

As we mentioned above, the Consideration process shredder starts by asking a simple question. And it enables an employee to describe their understanding of the inefficient process - and its causes - that has been frustrating everyone! 

This explanation is the catalyst for wider discussions on incremental changes - or perhaps something more dramatic like a complete re-organization of the process that delivers the desired outcome. Or, indeed, its complete elimination.

However, it is imperative to involve a diverse range of stakeholders in these discussions because of the varying perspectives that one person alone, or too small a team, may miss or undervalue. 

Once you have consensus on Needs and unmet needs, the new process re-building can begin on sure ground where everyone is clear on the final outcomes required.

Consideration is simple idea management software that helps organizations with their process shredding. We understand how tough it can be to identify these processes and describe their shortcomings. Which is why we put our emphasis on smart questions designed to get clarity and consensus, while also allowing you the flexibility to ask more tailored questions where needed. 

You can have a company-wide discussion on what processes need to be shredded or a process shredder discussion for each department. Plus, once you have all the improvement suggestions - how do you keep track of them? 

Consideration provides you with the platform to discuss these issues and receive feedback and ideas but also encourages open conversation between all those affected by change. 

So why not consider Consideration as your partner in efficiency. Let's make a New Year’s Resolution to shred unwanted processes and build better ones - one conversation at a time, and always, of course showing consideration of all stakeholders’ needs. 

Happy New Year from the Ted the Shred and his Team😊