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Bringing Process to People & Bringing People to Process - Part 1

by Rick Baker
On Jan 14, 2014

Process - What does that mean?

Processes are sequences of tasks, performed by People or machines.

The sequences of tasks can be simple. For example, a Process might have 4 task-steps which are performed in series...in a defined chronological order...the next task starts after the current task is completed. Think of making cookies from a box of pre-mixed ingredients: that's a simple Process.

The sequences of tasks can also be complicated or complex. For example, sending a man to the moon and back involves numerous task-steps sometimes happening in simple sequences, sometimes happening simultaneously [co-existing], and sometimes causing real-time adjustments to other tasks [interactive co-existence].

Processes can be easy or most-challenging.

Processes happen in either planned or unplanned ways.

And, Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations.

People - What do they mean?

Now, isn't that a loaded question?

Yes...intentionally.

On the one hand, People are easy to define: they are folks just like you and me. 

On the other hand, each of us is unique.

While certain Processes are easy to define using words like simple, complicated, and complex, it is dangerous to assume such descriptions or definitions can be used with reliability when the topic is People. The word 'assume' was underlined to highlight the difference between assume and conclude.

With that done...

While certain Processes are easy to define using words like simple, complicated, and complex, it can be very helpful to conclude such descriptions or definitions can be used with reliability when the topic is People.

However, before concluding things about other People it is essential to know:

  1. WHY it is wrong to assume but often helpful to conclude,
  2. WHY you must conclude if you are to be successful at influencing people, &
  3. HOW to go about assessing whether or not concluding fits the specific person and situation.
All of this is around the essence of Bringing Process to People & Bringing People to Process.

You've heard the saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."

That's a piece of wisdom, which has survived the test of time.
 
How about - 

Success with horses has a lot to do with how you lead them to the water!

 
...to be cont'd

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