How do you validate your process map with stakeholders?

1 Prepare your map

Before you present your process map to your stakeholders, make sure it is clear, accurate, and complete. Use standard symbols, colors, and labels to convey the process elements and their relationships. Check for errors, inconsistencies, and missing information. Simplify and streamline your map as much as possible to avoid confusion and clutter. You can also create different versions or views of your map to highlight different aspects or perspectives of the process.

2 Identify your stakeholders

Your stakeholders are the people who have a stake in the process, such as customers, employees, managers, suppliers, regulators, or partners. They may have different roles, interests, and expectations from the process. You need to identify who your stakeholders are, what their level of involvement and influence is, and what their feedback criteria are. You can use tools like a stakeholder analysis matrix or a RACI chart to help you with this task.

3 Plan your validation sessions

You need to plan how, when, and where you will validate your process map with your stakeholders. You can use different methods, such as interviews, surveys, workshops, or presentations, depending on the size, availability, and preference of your stakeholder group. You also need to consider the timing, frequency, and duration of your validation sessions, as well as the tools and materials you will use. You should communicate your validation objectives, agenda, and expectations to your stakeholders in advance and invite them to participate.

4 Conduct your validation sessions

During your validation sessions, you need to present your process map to your stakeholders and ask for their feedback. You should explain the purpose, scope, and assumptions of your process map, and walk them through the process flow and logic. You should encourage them to ask questions, share their opinions, and suggest changes or improvements. You should listen actively, acknowledge their input, and record their comments and concerns. You should also verify that they understand and agree with your process map.

5 Analyze and incorporate feedback

After your validation sessions, you need to analyze and incorporate the feedback you received from your stakeholders. You should review the comments and concerns you collected and identify the common themes, patterns, and gaps. You should prioritize the feedback based on its relevance, importance, and feasibility. You should then update your process map accordingly and document the changes and reasons. You should also communicate the changes and outcomes to your stakeholders and thank them for their contribution.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?