Leadership: Challenge the Process with Respect
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Everything has a process. It may be a good process or it may be a bad one, but there is process. A good process provides wise checks and balances and makes for the best decision, quality product or service, and excellent execution. A bad process rushes through an inferior design or a half-baked decision.
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A bad process impedes progress. So a wise leader allows all processes to be up for debate. No one process is immune to questions, but the discussion is to be handled with dignity and respect. Keep the conversation focused on process and not personalities so everyone can work on the process with an open hand. If you become a rigid proponent of your pet process, then there is a good chance you will take any criticism of your process personally.
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Process by design is what’s best for the entire organization, not just a convenience created to accommodate someone’s preference. Therefore, do not overprotect the process with smothering ownership. Furthermore, challenge the process, not the people, with professional courtesy.
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You challenge the process with respect when you:
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• Speak facts and do not react with emotion--
- this creates calm and communicates care.
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• Listen to the ideas of others without becoming defensive--
- this allows the best process to be discovered and supported by all.
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• Keep the best interests of the organization in mind--
- this facilitates teachability, teamwork, and responsible stewardship.
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What process needs to be improved? What is my process for challenging the process?
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