Process Mapping For Beginners

Takeaway:

1. KISS Principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid).
2. Use THREE symbols.
3. Aesthetics make or break your process map.

Leaders can summarize a complex situation into a single statement. Shouldn’t you do the same? Leaders focus on making decisions and don't have the time, knowledge, and capabilities that you do. Make it easy for leaders to understand the issues and you save yourself from unnecessary pain.

You need to use THREE symbols; Start/End (Circle), Decision (Diamond), and Task (Rectangle). Take a minute to examine the Pan-Seared Filet Mignon (Medium Rare) process map below and internalize it.

It wasn't difficult to interpret the diagram without my explanation. This is the power of process maps in its simplest form.

Process maps are visually appealing, easy to read, and understand when aesthetics is taken seriously. The Start/End symbol and its placement is self-explanatory; first and last step of the process. The Task symbol is a list of actions taken between the Start/End. The Decision symbol is a branching point based on a condition. Obey the 5 Golden Rules below and you'll become a process mapping expert.

5 Golden Rules:

1. Symbols have consistent size and spacing.
2. Processes flow left to right.
3. Return connectors are drawn on the bottom of the process symbol.
4. Do NOT overlap connectors.
5. Use concise words in the symbols (verb - noun format).

Rules 3 and 4 are hard to accomplish and best effort is used for complex process maps.