Episode 7: Why You Need to Process Map with a Pro

Send us Fan MailIn this Process Improvement Practitioners Show Q&A episode, I answer listener questions from our three-part series on process mapping.We discuss how to determine when a process should be mapped, how much detail belongs in a process map, and what to do when subject matter experts disagree about how the process actually works. I also share thoughts on whether process mapping should be performed internally or facilitated by an outside expert, common mistakes organizations make when documenting processes, and what should happen after a process map is completed.Finally, I share a real-world example of a "golden nugget" uncovered during a mapping exercise that revealed a much larger customer experience problem than anyone initially realized.If you're responsible for improving processes, leading change, or building a culture of continuous improvement, this episode will help you get more value from one of the most important tools in the process improvement toolkit.Questions addressed in this episode:• How do I know when a process needs to be mapped?• How detailed should a process map be?• What do I do when team members disagree about how the process works?• What is the biggest mistake organizations make when process mapping?• Should process maps be created internally or by an outside facilitator?• What should happen after the map is complete?• What valuable insights can process mapping uncover that might otherwise remain hidden?Thank you for listening to The Process Improvement Practitioners Show.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this special Q&A episode of The Process Improvement Practitioners Show, I answer listener questions about the Process Improvement Leader State of Mind series.We discuss how to influence leaders when you have no formal authority, what to do when leadership says they want change but their actions suggest otherwise, and how to stay motivated after repeated improvement efforts fail to stick. I also share the process improvement derailer I've struggled with most personally, the trait I most often see in unsuccessful improvement leaders, and a major lesson that took years for me to learn.One of the biggest surprises of my career was discovering that process improvement is far less about statistical tools and methodologies than I originally believed. More often than not, success comes down to culture, influence, leadership, and helping people embrace change.Whether you're leading a formal continuous improvement program or simply trying to make your organization better, this episode offers practical lessons from the field that can help you become a more effective change leader.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the episode nobody wants to sit through but everybody needs.Today we tackle one of the heaviest (and most valuable) tools in the process-improvement toolbox: the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis — FMEA.Think of it as the colonoscopy your process never asked for but desperately needs. It’s long, occasionally uncomfortable, and you’ll see things you can’t unsee… but it just might save the patient.In this episode I walk you through:Why FMEA is worth the heroic effort (and how to sell it to your sponsor)The exact inputs you need before you dare schedule the first meetingEvery column in the FMEA template explained (with the gotchas most books forget)Real-time facilitation tips so you don’t lose two weeks of your life arguing over whether something is a 4 or a 5How to pick the right scoring scale (1-10? 1-5? 1-3-9? I give you my vote and why)A live, hands-on example (watch the YouTube version to see the spreadsheet in action)How to turn your finished FMEA into measurable proof that your improvement project actually delivered valueIf you’ve ever been dropped into a process that’s on fire and nobody can tell you where the risks actually are… this episode is your fire extinguisher.Video version (with the full live FMEA build): https://youtu.be/XS6xuTNVw14Leave your war stories, tips, or “I survived an FMEA” scars in the comments — I read every one.Onwards and Upwards!Support the show

Send us Fan MailAfter a long pause in producing episodes, I’m back to talk about something that’s been a major milestone in my professional journey — earning the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification.In this episode, I share:What the PMP is and what it representsWhy I decided to pursue it after years of hesitationHow process improvement professionals can benefit from itWhat the exam is really like — from prep to mindsetWhat I’d do differently if I had to start overIf you’ve been curious about whether the PMP is worth your time or investment, this candid reflection will help you decide.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn the second half of our discussion on what defines a world-class CI organization, we explore the remaining four domains that complete the framework: Process & System Indicators, Alignment with Metrics, Leadership & Resource Support, and Outcome-Based Indicators.From enterprise methodologies to the importance of sustained improvements, company-wide alignment, and financial outcomes, this episode provides a blueprint for assessing and advancing your CI maturity.We also examine how innovation connects to continuous improvement—and how to measure it.Don’t miss Part 1 if you haven’t heard it yet—it sets the foundation with Culture and Customer Alignment.This is essential listening for CI leaders, business executives, and change agents ready to build something transformative.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we take a step back to explore the ultimate goal of continuous improvement work. Drawing from Covey’s “begin with the end in mind,” we outline six indicators of a high-performing CI organization—spanning culture, customer alignment, leadership, and more. If you're focused on driving real, lasting impact beyond just tools and techniques, this episode helps you anchor your efforts in a clear vision of what “Good” truly looks like. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this final episode of our process mapping series, we explore why hiring a professional to facilitate process mapping can be a game-changer. From quicker results and reduced team burden to unbiased insights and higher-quality output, this episode breaks down six compelling reasons to bring in an expert. Whether you're a decision-maker or a process improvement practitioner, you’ll find valuable guidance on how to get the most from this foundational tool. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we break down the art and science of process mapping—what it is, why it matters, and how to do it well. Whether you're tackling a transformation project, solving operational issues, or simply looking to streamline a workflow, this episode offers practical guidance you can immediately apply. We cover real-world examples, step-by-step tips, and common pitfalls to avoid. Join us as we demystify process mapping and equip you with tools to drive clarity and results. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to The Process Improvement Practitioners Show! In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the most fundamental tools in the process improvement toolkit: the process map. This episode kicks off a 3-part miniseries on process mapping — and we’re starting with the big “why.”Host and practitioner-at-heart Todd Justman walks through why process maps are so critical, not just as a visual aid, but as the common language of change. From aligning perspectives to surfacing hidden waste, risks, and complexity, process maps unlock improvement opportunities you didn’t even know were there.You’ll hear about:The four different versions of “what’s happening” in a process (and why that matters)What makes a good process map (and what doesn’t)Why mapping isn’t just a task—it’s a diagnostic toolHow the act of mapping reveals team readiness, engagement, and cultural barriers to changeThis episode sets the stage for what's to come: the value of professional process mappers, and how to map like a pro yourself. If you're in the business of transformation, don't skip this foundational listen.📺 This episode has a visual component — check it out on the Dutch Cedar Consulting YouTube channel for the full experience.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Process Improvement Practitioners Show! In this episode, we continue our three-part series on the Process Improvement Leader’s State of Mind, diving into the mindset that drives effective change leadership.Building on the previous episode’s discussion of key leadership traits, we now explore how these traits manifest as behaviors and thought patterns. A strong mindset is essential for successfully leading process improvement efforts, influencing culture, and fostering lasting transformation.We cover 11 critical elements of the Process Improvement Mindset, including: ✅ Assuming positive intent in others ✅ Blaming the process, not the people ✅ Developing a process-oriented perspective ✅ Understanding process ownership ✅ Identifying waste and inefficiencies ✅ Practicing customer-centricity ✅ Learning to say no to non-value-adding work ✅ Leading with questions before applying tools ✅ Thinking like a scientist in problem-solving ✅ Becoming a trusted advisor within the organization ✅ Striving to make continuous improvement so effective that your role is no longer neededThis episode is packed with insights to help you cultivate the right mindset, align your coaching approach, and position yourself as a true change leader. Join the conversation on LinkedIn or YouTube—we’d love to hear your thoughts!Listen now and take the next step in your process improvement journey. 🎧🚀Support the show