Planners like process. This is the "how to" of creating change. Some consultants are experts on the products and services of an industry; processarians are experts in the processes a business needs to reach the success it strives toward. I'm one of the latter.
In common business parlance we often ask people "what" they do. They tell us their job. I work in a bank. I'm a scientist. I repair roofs. I deliver psychotherapy. I make custom hardwood doors. You get the picture, I am sure.
I'm interested not only in "what" you do, but also "how" you do it! How one does things is their process. It has been said by Tony Robbins that "if the why is clear, the how is obvious". This speaks to motivation, and then notes that if you want something clearly, you will find "how" to get it. I'm not so sure. How is not always so obvious. Let me help you!
As a consultant, I focus on how to get to the goal -- the process. We know the way and carry the bags. We are "sherpas", processarians.
We ask how does one build community? How do we reach our vision? How do we get agreements with co-workers, colleagues and our employees? How does one reach consensus? How do we keep everybody involved? How do we get the funds?
Did the Donner Party have a processarian who asked how will we get across the mountain if it snows? Edgar Hillary had Tensing Norgay. Lewis and Clark had Sagacheweia. Bill Gates has had many!
Task oriented people always say let's get going! We are wasting time. Processarians say, how are we going to get there? The dictum at Interaction Associates, nationally known trainers and facilitators in Boston and San Francisco, is "Go slow to go fast". They mean, get the process clear, and the task will go quickly and smoothly.
I was with a friend who was showing her son how to get to the Ferry. I realized soon that though she knew where it was in a global way, she didn't know all the roads. I yearned for a street map. Processarians like street maps. We traveled over some interesting roads, but it took ten minutes when with a map you could get there in three. In business, we need every nannosecond to stay in the hunt. Those seven minutes can be the difference betwen success and failure.
In the planning business it is often said that nobody plans to fail, but many fail to plan. Business plans, marketing plans, financial plans and strategic plans are processes to reach our goals. Task oriented folks make sure they are implemented!
Doug Ross, Ph.D.
Strategic Planner