Sometimes I run into people who are cautious about developing their systems and processes to streamline their business operations because they have this idea that it will create a stifling environment, and they want to continue enjoying a flexible and creative workplace. I see things in an alternative way because well-run processes can increase levels of humanity and connection in your business. It makes your business more human, and here are some reasons why.
SET UP TRADITIONS AND RITUALS:
First of all, it creates a space for traditions and rituals to be set up for events such as birthdays and anniversaries to be celebrated. Processes set up around these events make sure that the most important part of your business, the people, are not missed. Simple traditions set up for your employees will make them feel cherished, which then in turn provides a greater feeling of connection to the business itself.
PROVIDE REWARDS AND SUPPORT:
The next thing that optimising your processes can do is offer the opportunity to consistently provide rewards and support for the people in your team. When people are working freestyle it can leave gaps in the support network that is required to maintain ongoing performance and growth. A strong process will highlight a good performance, which can be rewarded, and it will show when your people need help.
BLOW YOUR CUSTOMERS AWAY:
Your customers also benefit from having great processes because the service that you give to your clients and customers will have them coming back to you again and again. There’s something to be said for a business that sets up a reliably wonderful experience for the people they do business with every single time. Having this consistency can only create raving fans who not only come back to do business again but also bring their friends and their family.
MORE ROOM FOR CREATIVITY:
Having strong and consistent processes also allows the people in your team to work to their strengths. When you can find the best way of doing things and have everyone contributing to what that workplace looks like, it allows the people that are quite creative to find the space they need to fully contribute. Knowing what the stable platform is, they are given the freedom to explore the space beyond.
WORK TO YOUR STRENGTHS:
Alongside the creatively minded, these same processes will grant the same stability to those that are produced in a logical, mathematical way. Whilst everyone will thrive with a solid and reliable base to work from, logical thinkers will gain particular benefit from having the answers written in stone. Whatever the strengths are that the members of your team have, optimising your processes will create miles of space for them.
MORE TIME FOR CONNECTION:
And of course, it also creates more time for connecting when people are working efficiently. When the work is done well, it means that lunch hours and breaks can truly be given over to human conversation, and the connections that need to happen to bring your team together. This can only enhance relationships and rapport between team members, who become more committed and connected to the business as a whole.
So there you have it, six great reasons to develop consistent and effective processes and systems. I’ve even seen some companies with really great processes in place that have moved to a four day week, simply because they want to maximise their productivity while keeping their team on the front foot energized and refreshed.
A business is essentially the people within it, and if you set things up well, your systems and processes really can celebrate the beautiful functions of humanity to the benefit of all.
