In the last episode of the New Process Podcast, Leona Holzbecher shared her psychological insights about processes. She mentioned that humans are very simply structured by the need to fulfil four basic needs. We explored how these can be met in process management and identified many similarities to the New Process Principles.
1. Control: Empowering Autonomy
Control is a fundamental human need. People thrive when they feel a sense of influence over their work and its outcomes. This need aligns with:
- Principle 2: Involve people in process design Involving employees in co-creating processes fosters ownership and empowerment. For example, hosting collaborative workshops allows participants to shape the workflows they rely on.
- Principle 8: Give meaning to processes Clearly defining a process’s purpose enables individuals to see how their contributions impact larger goals, enhancing their sense of control.
Practical Tip:
Use process modelling workshops or open feedback sessions to give employees visibility and influence over their workflows.
2. Joy: Creating Enjoyable Experiences
Work shouldn’t just be a means to an end—it should bring satisfaction and fulfillment. Processes that integrate joy increase engagement and productivity.
- Principle 1: Inspire people for processes Processes designed with creativity or gamification make participation more enjoyable. For instance, brainstorming sessions or process design with colorful tools can transform routine tasks into energizing experiences.
- Principle 5: Meet people’s needs Understanding individual preferences—like the need for social interaction or quiet focus—helps tailor processes for a more pleasant experience.
Practical Tip:
Introduce small wins or playful elements in process design, such as rewarding milestones with tokens of appreciation.
3. Self-Enhancement: Opportunities for Growth
People need to feel they are growing—learning new skills, gaining knowledge, and contributing meaningfully.
- Principle 4: Enable people By providing access to training and resources, processes can foster professional development. For example, workshops and role-based learning encourage growth within the system.
- Principle 6: Encourage diversity Diverse perspectives enrich individual learning by exposing team members to new ideas and approaches.
Practical Tip:
Integrate continuous improvement cycles into your process, where team members can propose innovations and see their ideas implemented.
4. Attachment: Building Connections
Humans are social beings, and a sense of belonging significantly boosts engagement. Processes should nurture collaboration and trust.
- Principle 3: Trust the people working in the process Building trust enhances team cohesion and collaboration. For instance, shifting from hierarchical approvals to decentralized decision-making empowers teams.
- Principle 7: Disrupt established processes Collaborative efforts to rethink and innovate processes build a shared sense of purpose.
Practical Tip:
Create forums where teams can regularly discuss and improve processes, reinforcing connection and collective ownership.
Check out episode 57 of the New Process Podcast to listen to the full interview with Leona Holzbecher.
