Are You Ready for Future State Mapping?
A surprisingly large number of organizations have yet to document their processes in a formal way. So the idea of future state mapping may sound like a shortcut to process heaven, especially if your processes are out of control. What is future state mapping? It is, in a nutshell, creating the desired state for a process. Who should consider future state mapping? Candidates could include start ups or new departments who have no processes in place; companies who need drastic change to improve the bottom line and those about to implement substantial solution integration.
Future state mapping requires creativity, brainstorming and process expertise. We have seen the best results when we work with cross functional teams composed of positive thinkers with a can-do attitude. Human beings tend to limit themselves, based upon their individual experience. So it can be daunting to remove “inhibitors” from the creative process, even when these inhibitors have been identified during current state process mapping. But to achieve future state, we must take a leap of faith and imagine processes without financial limitations or resource constraints.
Tags: current state, future state, future state mapping, Process Improvement, processes
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
April 18, 2008 at 11:08 am
I have been working with a Division of my company for the past two years mapping their “AS IS” and “TO BE” processes. At the beginning of the work it was almost impossible to get the teams to think “TO BE” (future state). Many belived that the “TO BE” would never happen. We set up a Management Review process where the teams had to present the “TO BE” to top management. This dispelled a lot of the belief that the “TO BE” would never come to pass. This future state mapping has helped move the organization to be ready for the future as the “TO BE” processes are being implemented. Now the teams think in future possiblities instead of “oh that will never happen”.
June 13, 2008 at 2:39 am
I think it is always to be expected that sceptism will be with some, and this should be prepared for with a positive strategy. As enlightenented process improvers, we are lucky enough to know that great dividends follow from converting negative passengers to positive participants. Empathetic listening to their stories can not only engage them, but provide valuable information on the process and organisation. The battle against the Luddites will always need to be through hearts and minds. When the project team (of process users) believe that they have been selected for their potential to improve, and that the project leader instills that through their genuine vision of a better way. A positive approach is infectious, it is our responsibility to share that vision in any way that the team members will individually be motivated by. Although not an exact science, strong inter personal skills and a belief in every team member are key factors. Most people want to do a good job, if we show we believe that, we are half way there!
Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week (Shawn Carter)