Capacity Building Through Process

If you are a fan of motivational speeches, there is a high chance that you have heard the saying, “trust your process.” 

It is a cliché used by many people, especially public speakers, during their lectures, speeches or presentations. 

The meaning is as simple as the statement–doing what you believe will lead to achieving your goal(s). 

Results are integral parts of development and growth. 

Entrepreneurs and leaders are always concerned about proof of results. From hiring workers (asking for experience) to business partnerships (reviewing portfolios), innovating products, and other activities. 

If there are no tangible results to show for the efforts invested, then those efforts may be perceived as insignificant. That’s why people tend to praise successful outcomes a lot.

Do we place too much emphasis on the goal or destination that we neglect the significance of processes?

It’s easy to focus on where you are going while forgetting to take note of how you are getting there.

Processes are like the defenders in a football team who do not get as much praise as the strikers but are equally important. 

Not to be biased or place undue preferences, but the defenders make the goalkeeper’s job easier. 

I don’t want to show any favouritism or unfairness, but it seems as if the defenders make the goalkeeper’s job easier.

They also ensure the strikers’ efforts are rewarded by preventing the loss of points in the form of goals from the other team. 

The relationship between processes and results is comparable to the above analogy. Although results are visible externally, it would have been exceedingly difficult or even impossible to achieve and maintain them without the correct process.

Processes are capacity builders if followed thoroughly. 

They help individuals and teams learn from peculiar situations and challenges, testing their strength to sustain desired results. 

Processes help you build capacity by making you and your teams question ‘why’ you started. 

It is common to face challenges before achieving desired results. 

When following the right process, individuals or teams consciously pay attention to details such as division of labour, being on time, communicating effectively, and having emotional intelligence.

The following factors hold significant importance in influencing outcomes.

The methods used to achieve a desired outcome are crucial in developing confidence in a particular project or achieving a specific objective.

While following the process, some tasks or activities may become monotonous, boring and exhausting, making it difficult for most people to reach their goals, resulting in only a few determined people reaching the top.  

The process helps teams and individuals to build determination and resilience, qualities required to keep them at the top.

It takes conviction, determination, and resilience to reach the top. Without these qualities, giving up and starting over from scratch would be easy.

Processes can aid in teaching individuals and teams valuable knowledge they may not find anywhere. 

Working towards a goal helps to identify important lessons and develop skills that may have been overlooked initially.

It’s important to remember that achieving desirable results involves consistent effort and a step-by-step approach. 

The same efforts that drive the process towards the result will also help to sustain it once it’s achieved.