Myths of aSPICE 2 - Why bother with processes at all?

Why Do We Need Processes?

Many intelligent people, especially engineers, react with skepticism or even hostility when they hear the word process. Why is that? I genuinely have no idea. But let’s take a moment to dissect what we mean by process and why we use such a term in the first place.

The Evolution of Tools and Formalisms

Before diving deeper, we must recognize a fundamental truth: we, as humans, are tool-using apes. This is what sets us apart from the rest of nature. From the moment we first smashed stones together or tamed fire, we have been on a relentless quest to create better tools—tools that make life easier, more efficient, or at least less miserable.

The 17th century marked a turning point in this journey. The advent of the scientific method and structured approaches to reasoning revolutionized human progress. But the real leap forward came when we began to formalize knowledge—introducing mathematical notation, calculus, and logical systems. Only then did we break free from the intellectual stagnation that had persisted since ancient Greece.

Without proper notation and standardized communication, we cannot effectively exchange ideas. Without structure, we remain trapped in unproductive mumbling instead of clear, precise thinking.

Processes as a Formalism

A process is nothing more than a formalized way of describing reality. It provides a structured framework for understanding how people behave, how systems operate, and how tasks are completed. Processes are not rigid constraints—they are tools, just like mathematical notation or scientific methodology. They help us describe what is happening or what we want to happen in a clear and precise manner.

At its core, a process is simply:

• A set of interconnected actions,
• Performed by designated actors,
• With defined inputs from known sources,
• And specific outputs delivered to known consumers.

That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less.

Processes as a Safe Space

Processes create a safe space where structured actions reduce uncertainty and chaos. By following established methods, we minimize the risk of errors, miscommunication, and inefficiencies. A well-defined process ensures that critical steps are not overlooked and that responsibilities are clear.

The Power of Processes: A Battle Between Ideals and Reality

The true power of processes lies in their ability to bridge the gap between who we think we are and who we actually are. We like to believe we are rational, precise, and responsible individuals. But in reality, we are flawed creatures—prone to mistakes, laziness, and cognitive biases. We cut corners. We forget things. We misinterpret instructions. And while this imperfection often drives innovation, it can also lead to costly errors.

For example, we all know the importance of brushing our teeth. We do it automatically, every day, without questioning it. But why? Because we were trained to follow this routine from childhood. Now, imagine adding a new habit—something as simple as taking a pill every morning. Even if a doctor has warned us that it’s critical for our health, many of us will struggle to remember it consistently. And if the rule is more complex—such as taking a pill only on odd days when there’s a full moon—most of us would fail miserably without external aids like calendars and reminders.

This is why we naturally develop tools to support our willpower and memory. We need structures that help us execute actions with long-term benefits, even when there’s no immediate reward. And that’s exactly what a well-designed process does.

Real Creativity Relies on Routines

Processes free our creative spirit by handling routine work for us. True creativity does not thrive in chaos but rather in structured environments where repetitive tasks are automated or ingrained in habits. The greatest minds in history—scientists, artists, and engineers—followed strict routines to create a foundation for their best ideas to emerge.

The Fallibility of Human Judgment

No man can see his own mistakes. No man is a perfect expert in every aspect of knowledge—especially in fields as vast as computer science. A great manager is not necessarily a great engineer, and a great engineer does not automatically make a great manager. Each role requires different skill sets, and attempting to excel at both often leads to mediocrity in both.

Writing testable requirements and thoroughly testing a product are complementary skills, but cognitive biases can still lead us astray. Even if we possess both skills, we may fall into the trap of believing we can do it all alone—only to be proven wrong. True genius lies in understanding that no single person can master everything.

The Strength of Teamwork

The real strength lies in splitting roles and responsibilities so that each person can focus on what they do best. No independent genius can match the power of a well-coordinated team with complementary expertise. Processes enable teamwork to flourish by ensuring that efforts align, responsibilities are clear, and outcomes are reliable.

A team effort is far more valuable than an individual genius who lacks the ability to bring projects to completion. Processes help us ensure that work does not just start with brilliant ideas but also reaches a meaningful and impactful conclusion.

Why Processes Matter

Processes are not bureaucratic red tape. They are the guardrails that keep us on track, ensuring that essential tasks get done reliably and consistently. Whether we acknowledge them or not, processes already govern much of our daily lives. When we teach someone how to do something, we are imparting a process. When we build a product, deliver a service, or troubleshoot a problem, we rely on structured steps—whether formalized or not.

Recognizing and managing processes is not about limiting flexibility. It is about understanding the reality of human nature and leveraging the right tools to compensate for our inherent weaknesses. When we embrace well-designed processes, we empower ourselves to work smarter, reduce errors, and ultimately achieve better outcomes.

So the next time you hear the word process, don’t recoil in fear. Instead, see it for what it truly is: a tool for clarity, efficiency, and progress.