September 6, 2019

Challenge The Process

Written by Boyd Bailey

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 6, 2019

Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” Acts 15:1

Everything has a process, good or bad. A good process provides wise checks and balances and makes for a best decision, a quality product or service, and excellent execution. A bad process rushes through an inferior design or a half-baked decision, impeding progress. So, a wise leader allows all processes to be up for debate. No process is immune to questioning, but the discussion is to be handled with dignity and respect.

Keep the conversation focused on process, not personalities. This is why everyone holds a process with an open hand. If you become a rigid proponent of your pet process, then there is a good chance you will take any criticism of your process personally. Process, by design, is what’s best for the entire organization, not just a convenience created to accommodate someone’s preference.

Do not overprotect a process with smothering ownership. Furthermore, challenge the process with professional courtesy. You challenge the process with respect when you speak factually and do not react emotionally. This creates calm and communicates care.

You respect others when you listen to their ideas without becoming defensive. This allows everyone to discover and support the best process. Respect keeps the best interests of the organization in mind. This facilitates teachability, teamwork, and responsible stewardship. Anyone can complain, so challenge the process with thoughtful solutions, not mindless meandering. 

“For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter” (Ecclesiastes 8:6).

Healthy organizations require everyone to think. No one’s ideas are unimportant. From the mailroom to the boardroom everyone can come up with better ways to do his or her job. Think of creative processes that save time and money and utilize technology. Then document your processes. Within a growing enterprise, the processes that worked last year will probably be lacking this year. If a process does not propel progress, then it needs to be replaced with a results-driven model. Processes serve the mission of the enterprise. So, set up your processes to accomplish the objectives of the organization.

Challenge the process with better ideas by researching other groups who have proven processes. This invites innovation. Pilot new processes before implementation, because this enhances quality. Lastly, plan a process to challenge the process because this reminds the team to think.

God is into process. This is why He is symmetrical and systematic in His creation and design. His will is process-driven. Thankfully, He is ultimately in control of the process. Therefore, challenge mediocre processes and create superior ones. And above all else, trust God in the process and with the process. God has a lot of passion around precision and process, He always has.

“So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks” (Genesis 6:14-16).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me clarity on the best processes to manage at home and work, in Jesus’ name, amen.


Application

What process do I need to improve or remove altogether, so I am able to do my best and support others to do their best?


Related Reading

Micah 6:16; Mark 7:3-13; Galatians 1:14; Colossians 2:8

Today’s reading is taken from Boyd’s most popular 365 day devotional book Seeking Daily the Heart of God


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Lead problem-solving conversations to focus on improving processes, not penalizing personalities. #WisdomHunters #challengetheprocess #Jesus


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