What are the best ways to ensure process changes are sustainable?

1 Define your objectives and metrics

Before you start making any process changes, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. This will help you to design and evaluate your changes based on data and evidence, rather than assumptions or opinions. You should also align your objectives and metrics with your organizational strategy and vision, so that your process changes support your overall mission and values.

2 Engage your stakeholders and users

Process changes can affect many people, such as your customers, employees, suppliers, or managers. Therefore, you need to engage them in the change process, from the initial analysis to the final implementation. By involving them, you can gain their input, feedback, and buy-in, as well as identify and address any potential issues or resistance. You should also communicate your change vision and benefits clearly and frequently, so that they understand the rationale and value of your process changes.

3 Apply process design and improvement methods

Process design and improvement methods are systematic and structured approaches to analyze, optimize, and implement process changes. Some of the most common methods are Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Business Process Reengineering (BPR). These methods can help you to identify and eliminate waste, variation, and inefficiency, as well as to enhance quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction. You should choose the method that best suits your process type, scope, and complexity, and follow its principles and tools.

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?