← Back to Knowledge Hub

How to redesign processes that reinforce the future state, and when to sequence process change with people change

Process redesign is where strategy becomes operational reality. But too many organisations treat it as a technical exercise: map the current state, design the future state, train people on the new workflow. The result is processes that look right on paper but collapse on contact with human behaviour. Effective process design starts from behaviour, removes the reinforcement mechanisms of the old state, and sequences process change and people change so that each makes the other possible.

The Sequencing Decision Tool

Should you change the process first, the people first, or both together? The answer depends on your context. Answer these five questions to get a recommendation, along with the trade-offs of each approach.

How clear is the future-state operating model?
What is the primary source of resistance you anticipate?
How interdependent are the processes being changed?
What is the timeline pressure on this change?
How significant is the capability gap between current and future state?

Five Principles for Future-State Process Design

Most process redesign reinforces the old state without realising it. These five principles ensure your new processes actually support the behaviours and outcomes the future state requires.

Sequencing People Change and Process Change

The relationship between people change and process change is one of the most important design decisions in any transformation. These principles will help you get the rhythm right.

Process Design Readiness Check

Use this checklist to assess whether your process redesign has the depth it needs to survive contact with reality.

0 of 10 complete

This topic is part of Enablement, the third pillar of the TCA Change Model.

Explore the Full Model