We engage in process every single day. There is a method and order to the simplest daily tasks. Grab my toothbrush, grab the toothpaste, pop open the lid, squeeze the paste, apply the toothpaste to the toothbrush, run water over the toothpaste on the toothbrush, apply toothbrush with toothpaste to teeth, brush vertically, and adjacent for 90 seconds or something. Brush your teeth. A lot of steps, and that’s brushing your teeth.
I want to meet the guy that writes the directions at Ikea. You think putting the Ikea furniture takes a long time. Imagine having to write the instructions. Understanding all the parts, fasteners, and notches for each ridiculous step. Figuring out how many steps to include. Picking the language to describe the step. How to label the parts. Testing the instructions. Can someone follow these instructions that I have curated and produce a finished product?
Building process is a grueling…process. Every piece on the table. Every part, fastener, screw, anchor or whatever laid out. Developing a series of steps, assigning the roles. Articulating exactly when and how it should be done. Can it be repeated? Does our process produce a finished product? Does it help us reach our goal?
Imagine getting a box from Ikea without instructions. Without any labeling. Without any part identification. You might be able to figure out how to put it together, but if you are like me, it would take forever. Process in business is crucial. It creates efficiency. It creates clarity. It creates unity. It builds Ikea coffee tables.