It’s not me, it’s you. Unpacking the real issues.

“We aren’t communicating well.”

“Projects are falling through the cracks.”

“We bought this new piece of software, but it didn’t solve anything. I don’t even know if we implement it right.”

“I don’t know where to go to find the right information.”

“New employees are floundering and taking forever to onboard.”

“Our client churn is too high.”

“We keep hiring more people, but it isn’t moving the needle.”

“ We’re spending too much time putting out fires and being reactive instead of proactive.”

“It is taking too long to get work done.”

9 times out of 10, the root cause of these problems can be traced back to: Process.

Ring, ring. It’s me, Process:

Most organizations are suffering from:

• A lack of clearly defined processes
• Inadequate accountability mechanisms for existing processes
• Insufficient training and understanding of current processes
• Overly complex or bloated processes that hinder agility

How do you know where your problems are coming from?

You are dealing with a lack of clearly defined processes if you answer “no/often” to these questions:

1. Are tasks being completed consistently and efficiently across different teams and projects?
2. Do team members know exactly what steps to take to complete their work, and who to contact for support or information?
3. How often are projects delayed or repeatedly facing similar issues?

You are dealing with inadequate accountability mechanisms for existing procedures if you answer “no/often” to these questions:

1. Are responsibilities and ownership of tasks clearly defined and understood by all team members?
2. How frequently do errors or missed deadlines occur without follow-up or consequences?
3. Is there a mechanism for tracking progress and outcomes, and are these metrics regularly reviewed and acted upon?

You are dealing with insufficient training and understanding of current processes if you answer “no/often” to these questions:

1. Do employees feel confident and competent in their roles, particularly regarding the processes they are expected to follow?
2. How frequently do team members seek clarification on processes or raise questions about their responsibilities?
3. Is there a formal onboarding and ongoing training program in place that addresses processes and best practices?

You are dealing with overly complex or bloated processes that hinder agility if you answer “yes/often” to these questions:

1. Are there multiple steps or approvals required for routine tasks, causing delays in completion?
2. Do team members express frustration or confusion about following procedures due to their complexity?
3. How often do teams have to deviate from established processes to get their work done effectively?

Which one of these does your organization need to solve for right now?