Your Path to a Process-Driven Organization – Available in German and English
#64 Discover how to take the first practical steps toward a process-driven organization – with clarity, purpose, and real momentum.
In this episode, I share how to take your first steps toward building a truly process-driven organization. Whether you’re just starting with BPM or looking for a fresh perspective, this episode will help you gain clarity and momentum.
For the second time, this episode is not only available in English but also in German! 🚀
You’ll learn:
- Why processes only work when they have a clear and inspiring purpose
- How a shared process language creates clarity and alignment
- Which roles are essential to truly bring processes to life
- Why simple, intuitive models are key to genuine engagement
- How the BPM Roadmap helps you build a process-driven organization – step by step
Resources
Transcript
Please note that the transcript was generated automatically and only slightly adjusted. It does not claim to be a perfect transcription.
Jingle (00:01)
Welcome to the New Process Podcast. Learn all the tools, methods and best practices, combined with people, emotions and a human-centric mindset, to rethink your process and push it to the next level. And here is your host, Mirko Kloppenburg.
Mirko (00:19)
Yeah, welcome to episode 64 of the New Process Podcast. Today, we’ll explore your path to a process-driven organization. For the second time, this episode is available not only in English but also in German. So if you prefer listening in German, just switch to the German version of this episode.
This episode is special not just because of the topic or the bilingual format, or because of the little gift I’ll share with you at the end. No, it’s special because of the location.
Mirko (00:55)
I’m recording this episode at the Baltic Sea — more specifically, at Sehlendorfer Strand, just a few steps away from the beach. Sehlendorfer Strand is one of the places I keep coming back to with my family to enjoy the beach, but also on my own to recharge in this beautiful nature.
Right now, I’m here for a solo strategy offsite — just me — taking the time to reflect on the past years, think about the future, and share with you what I’ve learned about building a truly process-driven organization.
So in this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why processes only work when they have a clear and inspiring purpose
- How a shared process language creates clarity and alignment
- Which roles are essential to truly bring processes to life
- Why simple and intuitive models are key to genuine process engagement
- How the BPM roadmap helps you build a process-driven organization — step by step
And, as I mentioned, there’s a small gift waiting for you at the end of this episode — something that can really make a difference. So enjoy this episode. It’s definitely worth your time.
Jingle (02:16)
And now, let’s start to rethink processes.
Mirko (02:20)
Yeah, to kick off this episode, we’re going to start with a small flashback.
For more than three years now, I’ve left the Lufthansa Group and started my own mission to rethink processes — to truly rethink processes, get people excited about them, and create process-driven organizations.
What I often see out there are three major mistakes:
First, BPM is often thought of as a project — something that’s done once and then it’s over. But that’s wrong. If you’re truly moving towards a process-driven organization, this journey will never end. Processes are here to stay. It’s a culture.
Mirko (03:32)
Second, I often see that there’s no defined purpose. Why are we doing this? Why are we managing processes? Why build a process-driven organization?
If people don’t understand the “why,” there will be no excitement, no motivation.
And third: people. Companies just buy a license for a modeling tool, start modeling, and have no idea what to do beyond that. They end up with tons of process models stored away, but no one knows what to do with them.
That’s so sad — because they’re missing out on all the potential of BPM.
Mirko (04:24)
So what does a truly process-driven organization look like?
From my experience, it all starts with purpose. People understand why they’re working in and on processes — because there’s an emotional process purpose defined and continuously refined. That purpose gives direction for process design, improvement, and execution.
Second, people speak a common process language. There’s a simple, intuitive notation everyone understands. It helps when onboarding, discussing edge cases, or improving processes together. Not complex BPMN 2.0 — nobody understands that. You need something simple.
Mirko (06:49)
In a process-driven organization, processes are visible — and so are the people accountable and responsible for them. There are nominated process owners and full-time process architects.
Think of my interview with Lars Müller from Lufthansa Technik — they have entire units with process architects working full-time. That’s what a real process-driven organization looks like.
Mirko (08:31)
It also includes methods and tools — and people who are trained to use them. There is capacity available to do BPM properly.
And, most importantly, top management understands the value of processes. Ideally, they’ve worked in processes themselves and know how processes help bring strategy into reality. If they don’t yet, you can create experiences that help them understand the value.
Mirko (10:22)
So how do you get there? What does the journey look like?
That’s why I created the BPM Roadmap — it builds on my 20 years of experience in process management.
Mirko (11:00)
Stage one: Position BPM for impact.
Here, you define the process purpose and BPM strategy — and connect it with your organizational purpose and strategy. Based on that, you can quantify the benefits of BPM and define how it contributes to the organization. Then, you design your BPM framework.
Mirko (12:09)
Stage two: Implement the BPM framework.
Build your process architecture, identify roles like process owners and architects, and excite people about processes.
Mirko (13:04)
Stage three: Manage and improve your processes.
Now you apply cool methods like process mining, automation, or even AI — but only if the basics are in place. Most organizations want to jump here first, but lack the foundation: roles, processes, and culture.
Mirko (13:22)
While working through these stages, you’re also building process culture — creating transparency, sharing updates, involving people. Use internal media, start a podcast, write articles — whatever works.
Create experiences to get people excited about processes. That’s key.
Mirko (14:17)
And as I said, the basis is the BPM framework. But what is that exactly?
It’s the structure you use to manage all your business processes. At its heart is the process of process management — a process that defines how you manage and improve processes.
It includes roles like process owner and process architect, clear communication, and a modeling notation that everyone understands. Once defined, you implement this framework process by process.
That’s the New Process BPM Framework — built from my 20+ years of experience — and it consists of four modules.
Mirko (16:24)
Module one is, as you can imagine, the New Process Life Cycle — my process of process management.
Module two is the BPM role concept — clearly defining roles like process owner, process architect, and process manager.
Module three is about communication and steering — you need a blueprint to steer your processes, define how roles communicate, how meetings are set up, and how improvements are driven.
Module four is the notation — how your architecture should look and how you map processes in a way that everyone understands.
Let me walk you through these four modules in more detail.
Mirko (17:37)
The heart of the New Process BPM Framework is the New Process Life Cycle.
It’s inspired by the classic plan-do-check-act cycle, but with some unique elements.
What’s truly different: it starts with defining the process purpose — why do we have this process? Ideally, it aligns with your organizational purpose and resonates emotionally with your people. You create a purpose statement that inspires and gives direction.
Sounds a bit unusual? Maybe. But it’s a powerful tool to spark excitement and alignment. And you can apply this not just to the process of process management — but to any process in your organization.
Mirko (19:08)
In the second phase, you develop the process strategy.
You check your current situation, review strategic implications, define a target picture, and develop measures to reach it.
That’s your process strategy — providing clear guidance on where to go.
Next comes process design — the creative phase.
Here you map out ideas, use sticky notes, build prototypes, test solutions, and iterate. Eventually, the process owner approves a design — and then you move into modeling.
Mirko (20:05)
Modeling formalizes the design using a common notation.
You can already use tools during design, but at this stage, the process is captured in a structured, easy-to-understand way — ready for implementation.
Mirko (21:32)
The implementation phase is more than just publishing a model.
You have to create all the prerequisites for execution — technical, organizational, and personal.
At a minimum, you train people. But often, you also implement tools, equipment, or even restructure your organization — build facilities, hire staff, and so on. Implementation can be complex, and it’s where the real work happens.
Mirko (23:05)
Once everything is in place, you move into process execution and steering.
Ideally, you track execution based on indicators defined earlier. You monitor the process at global and local levels, then loop back to review and improve.
There’s also a phase to improve execution at a local level — think Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma.
For example, a line manager might optimize material flow or rearrange the workshop layout without changing the process design.
If the improvement works, you scale it — integrate it into the global design and lifecycle. That’s how the New Process Life Cycle functions.
Mirko (25:04)
To bring this life cycle to life, you need BPM roles.
Assign roles like process owner or process architect — and make sure people are trained and supported to fulfill their responsibilities.
That’s what module two is about: the BPM role concept.
Define roles clearly and assign tasks. And be careful not to confuse accountability and responsibility.
Mirko (26:07)
The process owner is accountable for process design — not execution.
Execution lies with the line manager who leads the team.
Sometimes both roles are held by the same person, but the responsibilities are distinct.
Mirko (26:44)
Once roles are in place, you need formats to drive process improvement.
Set up regular meetings — operational and strategic — where people talk about processes.
These platforms make processes and roles visible. For example, a process architect can present updates, or a process owner can align with management.
Mirko (28:20)
If top management holds process review meetings quarterly, it creates momentum.
People prepare, they want to show progress. If meetings only happen once a year, things slow down.
At the operational level, monthly or biweekly check-ins between process owners and architects can make a big difference.
These formats help people take ownership and actively contribute to improvement.
Mirko (29:47)
And finally, module four: process modeling.
This is where you can really make a difference.
Don’t just implement BPMN 2.0 and hope people understand. You need clarity at first glance.
You’re not modeling for experts — you’re modeling for everyone: logistics, HR, even mailroom staff.
They should look at a model and instantly understand: this is my role, this is what I do.
That’s why an intuitive notation is key.
Bring people together for modeling sessions. Let them co-create their process.
They’ll develop a shared understanding, take pride in their work, and fight for implementation.
This shared language lays the foundation for real process culture.
Mirko (32:19)
Let’s sum it up:
It all starts with purpose — giving direction and motivation.
Then you need the process of process management to provide structure.
This includes clearly defined BPM roles that are trained and supported.
Next, you establish platforms for communication and decision-making — to steer processes.
And finally, use modeling as a shared language to build understanding and culture.
That’s how everything comes together to build a process-driven organization.
Mirko (33:55)
And if you want to go deeper — here comes my little gift, as promised.
I’ve created a free BPM Roadmap Mini Course.
It’s not that “mini” — nearly 45 minutes of video content to deep dive into the roadmap.
You’ll also get a workbook to:
- Check where you are
- Build your target picture
- Identify what needs to be done
- Define concrete next steps
It’s all free. Just go to newprocesslab.com/roadmap.
The link is also in the show notes.
Thanks so much for listening. See you in the recap!
Mirko (35:32)
Yeah, thank you so much for taking the time to listen to this episode. Let’s quickly recap what we covered:
- Purpose gives meaning and direction — especially for the process of process management
- The BPM framework provides structure, roles, and guidance
- Process work requires time, competence, and participation
- A shared process language helps build true process culture
- The BPM Roadmap provides a step-by-step path toward a process-driven organization
If you want to dive deeper, don’t forget the free BPM Roadmap Mini Course.
It includes 45 minutes of video and a practical workbook to help you take the next steps.
Visit newprocesslab.com/roadmap or click the link in the show notes.
If you know someone ready to rethink processes, feel free to share the course with them too.
Good luck on your journey to a truly process-driven organization.
Thanks again — have a fantastic day, and see you next time. Bye-bye und auf Wiedersehen.
Jingle (39:00)
You’ve been listening to the New Process Podcast. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode — for more tools, methods, and best practices to rethink your process and push it to the next level. Thank you for listening.
Mirko (39:15)
Before you leave — as I mentioned earlier — I’d like to invite you again to join my free BPM Roadmap Mini Course.
It builds on this episode and helps you take concrete next steps — with my personal support.
Just go to newprocesslab.com/roadmap to get started.
Thank you very much. Have a great day. Bye-bye.
