Effective Policies And Processes

Feb. 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Management has the daunting task of making sure employees follow company policies and processes. An organisation’s success often depends on how these are managed.

While adhering to process and policy is vital, it is also imperative to ask a simple question. Does policy drive process effectively enough to fit its purpose? If the policy is not aligned with the process, problems will inevitably arise in the workplace
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Consider the definitions. Policy is a principle or rule that guides decisions to a favourable outcome. Process is the series of actions or procedures that make this favourable outcome happen.
 
It is the role of leadership to continually analyse and revise the policies that move the company forward. Yet too often managers focus on the end result of policy and neglect to review the efficiency of the process.

Employees like to know they are making good use of their time. If they question why a certain step in the procedure is handled a particular way, they want an intelligent, thought out answer. Being told “we do it this way because this is how it has always been done” does not create a strong work ethic.

It is also a liability if managers are not directly involved in the procedures behind business processes. If managers leave employees to sort their own way, incidences and problems occur that could have a detrimental effect on productivity and profit.

Employees work efficiently when each step of the process is explained and they understand how and why their job gets results. This requires a constant, open avenue of communication and interaction between managers and staff.

The best teams have managers who actively listen and know how to transform feedback into positive change. When employees understand the process of their jobs and know that they can voice their ideas, they develop a vested interest in the company’s success.

Effective processes will progress policies and lead directly to that favourable outcome. And every employee loves to be on a winning team.

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