Trust the “Process” 

Advice about patience we often see: trust the “process”. This has always sparked two questions for me: 

  1. Is there actually a process?
  2. If so, what is this “process”? 

 Consultants have a deservedly slimy reputation for approaching a business, selling their “process”, poorly fitting the business into their template, collecting a large check, and leaving the business barely better than they found it. Is this the “process” business leaders are to trust? 

I don’t believe in template-driven consulting and planning. Rather than a “process”, try some simple, back-of-the-napkin planning on the following: 

  1. Mission/Purpose/“Why” – Always start with clarity on your purpose: what are you trying to do and why? 
  2. Vision – What would wild success, without any of today’s constraints, look like if you executed your purpose with excellence?
  3. Desired outcomes – What are the goals, objectives, outcomes, or “states of true” you desire to achieve that will make your vision a reality and fulfill your purpose?
  4. Next action(s) – What is the (or are the sequence of) next physical, visible, simplest possible action to take to advance the desired outcome toward making your vision a reality to fulfill your purpose? 

 When I work with business leaders on planning, this is the “process” we follow. Are there a few other questions, discussions, elements, and things we consider? Of course! That’s the beauty of customized planning and implementation support. 

I would argue there actually is not a “process” to follow and trust. Rather, there are a few key items to consider, sketch, plan, and implement. Do that with some consistency, patience, and a little luck, and the results of your “process” usually exceed expectations. 

Remember, generally, the simpler, the better. 

 

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Craig A. Escamilla
Craig A. Escamilla
Craig Escamilla helps you find solutions before problems exist. With fifteen years of consulting, teaching, and senior management experience, Craig brings a wealth of practical expertise to helping others work on rather than in their businesses.

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