I wrote Process Blankets Provide Comfort.

In that article, I discussed the delicate balance between the need for process-discipline and the need for autonomy.

Recently, I read¹

"The simple truth is this: Structure cannot be avoided. If you don't create your own structure, you will have to deal with someone else's."

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

When I use the word Process, I mean it in the broadest way...Systems...and Structure.

So, I can reword the quote to read...

The simple truth is: Process cannot be avoided. If you don't create your own process, you will have to deal with someone else's.

That fact applies in all Situations. It applies when we consider self-control; if we do not create our own self-controls then others will dictate their's on us. It applies when we consider the performance of work processes; if we provide no input on how to go about things others will tell us what to do. 

It also applies as a double-edged sword. People want to control Situations and outcomes. Bosses do. Employees do. And, bosses structures may not align with employees structures. This happens frequently. And, sometimes people dig in to enforce the structure they desire: My way or the highway!

Key Point: People want Structure. Stated another way, People want Process. Regardless of how we act, all of us want structure/process.

The challenge, of course, is finding ways to have meetings of the minds on the form of the Process.

Footnote

1. Laurence G. Boldt, 'ZEN and the art of making a living', (2009)