Process aims to standardize how people work. The benefits of a well-formed and managed process includes improved productivity, lower costs, higher quality, less turnover and better morale. Absent or poorly managed processes increases variability, lowers quality, raises costs and weakens morale and job satisfaction. Process leads to quality by defining efficient and effective workflow. Success arises from consistently applying the process and actively improving it over time so that it remains relevant. Involving staff in the development and deployment of process speeds its adoption and improves its success and adherence.

If you fail to engage your staff in the development of process, the result can be a process that staff feels is impractical or unworkable. In the worst case, your staff may see the new process as a step backwards, and they may be correct. Failing to use effective communications that both inform and solicit input coupled with proper supervisory control systems sets the stage for catastrophe. Lack of staff acceptance of process and deficient management are top sources of transformation failures.

Engaging your staff should be part of any transformation strategy. Communication must be personal, business related, continual and evolving. Sponsoring conversations and taking action based on those discussions leads to staff buy-in. Using an important or new service as the contextual “big picture” for the change makes the process understandable and meaningful. Integrating your engagement strategy into your daily management activities makes your strategy sustainable and part of everyday decision making.

Analyze your current process planning. Does it work for your current transformation project? Does staff follow your processes or routinely avoid them? Do you have in place defined job roles that reference process adherence? Does your supervisory staff measure and manage based on the defined requirements? If you are like most, the answers to these questions are “not usually.”

Assume that currently, process designers implement process without communication to, or conversations with, affected staff. Further assume that current process definitions do not include supervisory or job-task measurements. Finally, take for granted that managers do not include process adherence in regular employee performance reviews.

Investigate how your teams and managers operate to ensure a new or changed process will deliver its intended value. Assess the presence of the following six basic requirements for process success. Skipping these requirements accounts for most process failures. They are not in linear order and they are cyclical in nature:

1. Develop and articulate a vision: Use an important or new service as the context for a process change and what it will look like when complete. Failure often arises because the intended process user does not understand the big picture.
2. Plan and provide resources: Ensure that you and your management staff provide the groundwork and assets required for successful process introduction.
3. Invest in training and development: Avoid the common process introduction approach of a) giving staff a copy of the process and b) providing an hour or two of orientation, and c) assuming the new process will achieve its design goals. Train staff (and managers) in the tasks required of each.
4. Assess or monitor progress: Design uptake and adherence goals for staff and management and include them in the process design. Monitor performance relative to these goals.
5. Provide continuous assistance: Based on your assessment in Step 4, intervene with coaching, guidance and support as needed. Success is much higher — and better received by staff — when assessment includes constructive assistance.
6. Create a context conducive to change: Connecting the process to business values sets the stage for shared understanding and a culture of shared accomplishment.
Start now by committing to these six steps for all business transformation projects, process designs, or large-scale changes. Begin with quick-win solutions that address major elements from the above list. Encourage a culture that is accountable, supports originality and rewards involvement. Use tools to promote communication and learning, including informational seminars for staff (including customers, providers, business, staff and IT at all appropriate levels) Show your commitment with assistance as well as linking staff (and management) performance evaluations to process success metrics.