Change requires support
"You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."
Steve Jobs
Proper maintenance and care is required to achieve consequent and long-term implementation of new processes, such as the introduction of a new team or new group work. Such changes don't simply happen at the flip of a switch. Trusted habits must be left behind, communication and information must be improved, and possible misgivings about other colleagues must be set aside.
This is exactly what our process management achieves. We provide support during the initiation, implementation, and tackling of new processes within a company, being sure to offer balanced guidance for both management and employees. As process managers, we're on the side of the desired change and support a more successful, sustainable, and cost-effective project.
"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."
Socrates
Our approach of combining our perspective as external process managers with those of internal process managers has proven to be the secret ingredient to a successful and enjoyable implementation process.
External Process Management
The clear goal to make yourself unnecessary
Within the context of our consultation, we also provide external process management when it comes to implementing new processes within a company, e.g. team and group work, Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) or the implementation of a new leadership system. For example, we offer direct support in the moderation of team discussions, installation of team leaders, and feedback to the team leaders. Especially during the early stages, we provide internal process managers, team members, and team leaders with valuable feedback. Little by little, we begin transferring these responsibilities to the internal process managers or executives. An external process manager has the clear goal to supplement employees and managers with the proper know-how that will, in time, make external management unnecessary.
Internal Process Management
Roles and responsibilities of a process manager
A process manager is an expert in the areas of team work, communication, and conflict resolution who possesses a firm understanding of moderation and problem solving methods.
They help employees find their way within new organizational structures, beginning first by confronting employees‘ hopes and fears – a necessary foundation for constructive work. Then, process managers lead group discussions to establish suitable arrangements for the work ahead, while simultaneously assisting in the resolution of potential conflicts and, when necessary, acting as moderator between employees and management.
Benefits of internal process management
To begin, support, and solidify the improvement process via internal employees offers the following benefits in comparison to external process management through a consultant:
- Internal process managers are on-site and more easily accessible than an external consultant. They can be directly addressed, are able to react to various situations without delay, and can provide teams with timely, concrete support.
- Internal process managers know the structures and processes within the company, as well as the company culture and informal channels of communication. This enables them to bring together the right people to solve a problem and ensures a flow of information to the right people at the right time.
- Process managers act as an "early warning system". Thanks to their close contact to employees at all levels within the company, they are able recognize problems and conflicts in the early stages.
- Internal process managers continue to be available long after the implementation process is over and the external consultants have completed their work. By utilizing the knowledge they gained, process managers can provide valuable assistance in further projects to improve the company.
- The use of an internal process manager is more cost effective than the engagement of an external trainer, thus reducing the overall costs of initiating an improvement process.
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