Process Alignment: Bringing Systems Thinking to Process Design

Industry: Not Industry Specific

Keywords: Organization Design; Aligning organization systems; Agile organizations;

Level: Intermediate

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-von-feldt-613baa/

Introduction: LSS experts have a powerful repertoire of tools to build, evaluate, and improve the processes that make up the gears of an organization. But processes are just one aspect of complex organizations, and LSS specialists who can broaden their view to see and impact the whole picture can become more engaged with their clients and more valuable to them. The session will focus on four critical systems thinking components: aligning all systems, strategic process design, strategic process grouping, and alignment leadership.

Strategy: Aligning All Systems Imagine an organization as a Rubik’s cube, where work processes represent just one facet which works together with other facets such as organizational structure, information systems and metrics, people systems, reward systems, culture and leadership. All of these systems must be brought into alignment with the strategy.

Work Processes: Not all processes are strategically equal Keeping the strategy in mind, process designers can identify which processes directly contribute to the strategy and which processes, though important, do not have a marketplace upside. Strategic processes are designed, improved, and resourced differently from other processes.

Structure: Separate strategic work Work follows strategy, then structure follows work. So to bring the structure of the organization into alignment with the strategic value of work processes, work and people should be grouped into divisions, teams, departments, and jobs that clearly define their impact on the strategy.

Culture and Leadership: Cultivate Alignment Leadership The kind of process design I'm advocating, which brings its output into conversation with the systems all around it, works best in a culture that values strategic alignment. There’s a big payoff for leaders who dedicate some thoughtful time to the full picture, to the total milieu in which the work processes exist.

Doug Von Feldt

Engagement Executive, AlignOrg Solutions, Lawrence, KS, USA

"Doug Von Feldt has over 25 years of experience guiding companies through large scale change. He has held senior leadership positions including chief information officer at two different organizations, along with other leadership roles in the areas of continuous improvement, innovation, project management, and operations.

Doug specializes in organization design consulting for small and large business focusing on helping them drive marketplace differentiation. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Kansas State University where he teaches Lean Six Sigma and other quality related classes."

Doug Von Feldt has over 25 years of experience leading projects and change initiatives in industries including manufacturing, distribution, education, and retail. He has held senior leadership positions including chief information officer at two different organizations, along with other leadership roles in the areas of continuous improvement, innovation, project management, and operations. Doug’s current work focuses on helping organizations become more profitable by aligning strategy, work processes, people, and culture to achieve operational effectiveness and efficiencies.

Doug specializes in organization design consulting for small and large businesses focusing on helping them drive marketplace differentiation. He also provides consultation services to organizations to help them implement continuous improvement, project management, and innovation programs. Additionally, he has developed corporate and university educational programs in a variety of areas, including Lean Six Sigma, project management and Innovation and has taught thousands of people all over the world. He has taught classes at Washburn University, The University of Kansas, and is currently an Adjunct Professor at Kansas State University.

Doug holds a BA in Computer Information Systems from Washburn University and was recognized as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt by that institution. He is also a Certified Organization Design Professional (CODP), certified Project Manager (PMP), a SAFe® 5 Agile Pro.