Processes are important even in a startup. However, many entrepreneurs tend to begin operations without even the basic processes, with the assumption that as they learn the dynamics of the business, processes can be formed. In fact, many entrepreneurs feel that processes are too restrictive and are meant only for larger, complex organizations.
However, process need not be complex. Processes are nothing but a standardized way of doing a particular activity or handling a particular situation. In fact, rather than slowing down an organization, processes actually help the startup become more efficient as the basis of decision making is pre-decided as a process. Once some effort has been put into creating and defining processes, founders or leadership team then does not have to get involved in the day-to-day operational level decision making as these can be easily be delegated to the team and monitored through clear measurable goals, milestones and reviews.
In fact, it is at the beginning of the journey that entrepreneurs are likely to find some time to think through the processes. If the startup starts picking up speed and growing, it is always almost impossible to ‘make’ time to invest in processes as at a growth stage there are too many other tempting aspects of managing growth that seem more important.
When you company is growing is almost always the wrong time to plan for growth. You have to plan for growth to the next level when you are at a level below. Else, you will always be in the operational challenge of managing operations instead of driving growth.
