Two managers I worked with had a heated argument over getting people for their projects. To prevent such arguments in the future, the department created a process that meant following a labour-intensive process to account for who they needed and why.

Trying to solve problems with a process is a little like trying to fix a flat tire by doing a better job of not driving over sharp things. While you might avoid another flat, you’re not addressing the problem that’s right in front of you.

Too often, organizations create processes to fix a problem. While the process might give people an illusion of certainty, a process will rarely be the reason for better outcomes.

Rather than using a process to solve problems, work with your team to find ways to make things better every day. I’ll bet you’ll find they have a better way to fix the flat and avoid the next one.

You’ve got this.