We may debate indications, degrees, and causes, but we can be certain that we live with global uncertainty. This paper explores how process-based management enables uncertainty as a driver for improved performance, rather than letting it overwhelm and destroy.
I have spent many, many hours talking to executives, and those seeking to influence executives, about why process-based management is a vital topic for executive consideration. Everyone agrees that someone should be doing something about processes, and indeed quite likely they should be doing a lot more, but the subject seldom makes it to the agenda of the Executive Committee or the Board. It’s an SEP.
Why is it so? What can be done about it?
At the core of the process-based management value proposition is a simple yet powerful idea. It’s easy to understand, hard to disagree with, and not too hard to implement. So, why isn’t everyone doing it?
The many forms of process work – management, analysis, measurement, automation, innovation, mining, modeling, (re)design, simulation, accreditation, optimization, digitization, etc. – all demand an answer to a common question. Which process?
Process-based management is not a donut. To be effective it must have a central substantive core of deep knowledge of, and robust commitment to, the enhanced performance of the high-impact processes that operationalize organizational performance to execute organizational strategy. It’s the process that matters.
Given that process-based management is clearly A Good Thing, indeed a Very Good Thing, why doesn’t every manager, every decision maker, everyone everywhere immediately and enthusiastically sign up for a corporate life infused with the joys of process management and improvement?
This paper might be a little controversial because I’m talking about business capabilities and how they relate to business processes, a topic that causes more than its fair share of confusion and debate.
OK, but apart from delivering products, keeping customers happy, saving money, making us more efficient, enabling automation, clarifying strategy, generating new revenue, facilitating mergers, gaining business excellence accreditation, and reducing risk, what have processes ever done for us?
Warning: This paper contains information that might radically impact your view of process, the universe, and everything. In a good way. A very good way.
Whatever field you are absorbed in it’s useful from time to time to revisit the basic concepts and compelling reasons. We spend our lives in the ‘what’ and ‘how’ and they only have value if we have the correct ‘why’, and we can explain it clearly to ourselves and others. What follows is based on the ‘why’ description from my recently published book, Elements.
Process Management Snakes & Ladders is such a unique and innovative concept. It transforms process management into something playful and a truly engaging learning experience. By using a game format, it encourages collaborative learning, opens deeper conversations, and helps clarify and correct common Knowledge around processes in a safe and enjoyable way.
It is an amazing idea that I haven’t seen before in the field of process management games. It’s a great tool for teams who want to reflect on how their processes really work and learn together in a more interactive and memorable way.
Now we can learn with fun! It’s a very smart way to play with building the knowledge by ” Process Management Snakes & Ladders “. I like how we can learn step by step and discuss the principles of Process Management!
When Roger wrote be about his upcoming new product I started counting days till the release date! Each Roger’s book is full of valuable knowledge. Now, you can share with your colleagues also a game that will help them understand processes and process management better and have fun while learning!
When I first heard about the idea of using Snakes & Ladders to teach process-based management, I was intrigued — and now I’m genuinely excited to see it come to life.
Congratulations Roger for turning a creative concept into something tangible and impactful. Let the games begin!
The Process Management Snakes & Ladders game is a creative and enjoyable way to explore process-based management. It takes what can often be a serious or technical topic and turns it into something engaging, interactive, and surprisingly thought-provoking.
Inspired by the ancient Snakes & Ladders game from India, it beautifully connects the idea of ups and downs with the realities of organizational life. As you move through the 26 events in the game, each one opens the door to deeper discussions about real challenges and opportunities that teams face in improving processes.
What I love most is how it blends fun with learning. It encourages collaboration, sparks meaningful conversations, and helps people see process management from new perspectives. Whether you play with a colleague or an entire team, it creates an open space for reflection, shared understanding, and even a few laughs along the way.
In short, Process Management Snakes & Ladders is more than a game, it’s a catalyst for transformative conversations and a must-have tool for every process promoter committed to continuous improvement.
Response from Roger Tregear
Thanks, Bassam. I’m excited to bring the game to market to help many organizations provoke powerful conversations about the theory and practice of process-based management.
