Implementing business processes and systems can transform a company from a chaotic operation into a streamlined, efficient machine. Yet, there are times when even the best-designed processes fall short. Why do these well-designed systems fail to deliver results?
The short answer is that your team isn’t taking ownership of it and, therefore, doesn’t believe it’ll work.
The long answer: Many factors can contribute to process failure, but the root stems from a lack of belief—both from leadership and the team—that the process will actually work. Belief drives action, and without that buy-in, no amount of structure or detailed planning will lead to success.
The good news? You can change this. By shifting the mindsets of both leadership and team members and fostering a culture that supports process implementation, you can turn things around.
Recently, Adi Klevit of Business Success Consulting Group and business coach Shawn Feurer shared several solutions that any business owner can use to implement processes throughout the company.
How to Fix “Broken” Processes
1. Make Sure Leadership Is On Board
When it comes to process implementation, leadership sets the tone for the entire company. If the leadership team doesn’t believe in the processes being introduced or is reluctant to implement them, the rest of the organization will follow suit. It’s that simple.
Why? People naturally look to leadership for guidance. If leaders demonstrate enthusiasm, accountability, and a commitment to making processes work, it instills confidence in the team. However, if leaders express doubt, ignore processes, or fail to use them themselves, it signals that the processes don’t matter.
Leaders must support the process and be the first to adopt and use it consistently. Their involvement will affect everyone’s willingness to engage.
2. Engage Your Team Early
Processes are only as strong as the people executing them. If your team isn’t on board, the process will fail. So, how do you get your team to believe in and take ownership of the process? It starts with open communication and collaboration.
Talk to your team. Explain why you are implementing the new processes and how they can benefit both the company and individual employees. Then, invite feedback. People are more likely to embrace change when they understand its purpose and see how it will help them in their daily roles.
A real-world example of this comes from a client we worked with who was eager to document and implement business processes. However, the sales lead wasn’t on board. Through open discussions, the business owner discovered that the sales lead needed an assistant to handle administrative tasks to support the projected increase in sales. The business owner committed to hiring an assistant and included documenting processes on which the sales lead could train the assistant in the overall documentation project. The sales lead became enthusiastic about the change, and the business benefited.
This kind of involvement shows your team that their input is valued, encouraging them to take ownership of the process.
3. Do What You Say You Will Do
One of the fastest ways for leadership to erode trust and undermine a process’s success is to fail to keep promises. A culture of skepticism and doubt develops when promises to employees or customers go unfulfilled. Without trust, instilling confidence in any new process is nearly impossible.
Integrity and follow-through are critical components of any successful process implementation. If leadership commits to making changes, hiring new personnel, or providing additional resources, these commitments must be honored promptly. When employees see that leadership is serious about making improvements and following through, it builds a foundation of trust. This trust supports the team’s willingness to invest in and follow the new processes.
Beyond that, it fosters a culture of accountability. A company where everyone—starting from the top—holds themselves accountable is a company where processes can thrive. Accountability ensures that everyone contributes to the system’s success.
4. Ramp Up Communication
One of the biggest mistakes companies make when implementing processes is failing to communicate adequately. Building and refining processes isn’t a “set it and forget it” exercise. Processes need constant feedback and adjustment to work effectively, which requires open communication.
Frequent and clear communication between leadership and team members is the key to success. Regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and open discussions about what’s working and what isn’t will help you fine-tune processes over time. This helps during initial implementation and as the process evolves. Having a feedback loop allows the team to contribute to improvements and voice any challenges or inefficiencies they encounter.
If your process isn’t working, it’s time to step back and ask: Does my team believe in this? Is leadership demonstrating commitment? Am I engaging the team, keeping promises, and maintaining communication?
Shifting the mindset around processes—from leadership to individual contributors—can transform your business. When people believe in processes, they work. That belief doesn’t come from top-down mandates but through collaboration, trust, and continuous communication. Once that culture is in place, your business processes will become the backbone of your company’s success.
Are you ready to improve your company’s growth by building and implementing effective processes? Get in touch with the experts at Business Success Consulting Group. Schedule a call, and we will provide a free initial evaluation.
