So far, the spotlight has been on efficiency as a strategic lever, the discipline of 5S in creating sustainable environments, and the power of meaningful metrics to align efforts and unlock value.
Now, the focus shifts to the concoction that brings it all together: people. Wocktail #4: The Human Highball – Exploring the Pulse that Powers Process Excellence, toasts to the people behind the process.
Every organization dreams of flawless processes: slick workflows, crystal-clear roles, and precise metrics that drive action. Yet, even the most intricate designs can unravel at the point of adoption.
Why? Process excellence is a people play, hinging on winning hearts and minds. That means designing in ways that make people feel seen, heard and involved in the change. Without this connection, even the most ‘excellent’ of processes will fail to drive progression.
Heart-mind victory demands:
- Engaging early and with empathy: Surface the live experiences, frustrations, and workarounds; the real stories!
- Co-creating: Build with people, not for people; transformation is not a solo performance.
- Communicating with impact: Make the “why”, “why now”, “what now” and “what’s in it for me” unmistakeable.
- Leading by example: Mindset that is modelled at the top echos across the board.
- Making it safe: Invite questions, challenges and unique perspectives.
- Celebrating all wins, big and small: Momentum loves a party.
- Measuring adoption, not just output: Success is owning the change, not just checking the boxes.
Get the hearts, get the minds, and the rest will follow. If people aren’t in, the process becomes unhinged!
Intentional design + deliberate human connection = lasting impact.