Simplify to Streamline
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Processes are like closets—they tend to accumulate clutter over time. Extra steps, unnecessary approvals, and redundant tasks creep in, turning simple workflows into frustrating bottlenecks. The result? Delays, confusion, and wasted effort. Simplification isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about clearing the clutter to make your workflows—and your teams—more effective.
Simplifying Complex Processes: When Less is Truly More
My observation is that processes often grow more complex than they need to be. Over time, well-intentioned changes, new policies, and “just in case” steps turn simple processes into overwhelming tasks.
Here’s why simplifying workflows matters:
Reduces Cognitive Load: Employees don’t need to remember or juggle unnecessary steps, allowing them to focus on what’s important.
Saves Time: Simplification eliminates redundancies, speeding up task completion.
Empowers Teams: Clear workflows give employees more ownership and reduce frustration.
Quick Tests to Spot Complexity in Your Processes:
Do you frequently hear, “Why do we do this step again?”
Are approvals or hand-offs often delayed?
Is there a noticeable gap between task assignment and completion?
Case in Point:
One team I worked with had a customer onboarding process that dragged on for weeks. The experience was frustrating for everyone involved—clients were repeatedly asked the same questions, and lengthy intake forms added to the confusion. My findings were that over a period of time new teams and departments were created as part of the growth, different departments often requested identical information but in varying formats, further compounding the inefficiency.
To address these challenges, we took a step back and reevaluated the entire process. Here’s what we did:
Assigned a dedicated point person for each client to gather all necessary information across departments, ensuring consistency and clarity.
Automated the flow of information between departments to eliminate redundancy and reduce delays.
Streamlined intake forms to make them concise and user-friendly.
The results were remarkable: onboarding time was significantly reduced, clients felt more confident and valued, and internal teams experienced smoother workflows.
Simplifying isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most. Start with small changes, and you’ll be amazed at the impact.