Lead Simply: The Power of Process

We’ve all heard of Ockham’s Razor—the idea that the simplest solution is often the best one. It’s a principle that has survived since the days of Aristotle, and for good reason. When something is simple, it’s easier to understand, easier to communicate, and easier to repeat.

Now, let’s apply that same logic to leadership.

If simplicity and clarity are what great leaders promote, how do they make it happen without turning their organizations into “me too” copies of others?

The answer: process.

Why Process Wins

A strong leader doesn’t just set goals—they build systems to achieve them. Processes are what turn vision into repeatable results. Here’s why they matter:

1. Consistency creates trust.
   Clear processes ensure that work is repeatable and predictable. Customers expect excellence every time—not occasionally—and process-driven teams deliver it.

2. Efficiency fuels growth.
   Defined processes help teams use time wisely. As workflows improve, so does quality. The best part? You don’t need more effort—just smarter structure.

A Lesson from the Field

When I worked with Caterpillar in the early 2000s, I saw firsthand how process can transform an organization. The company adopted Six Sigma—and it wasn’t optional. Every team, every leader had to align with it.

The result? In just a few years, the company shifted from being driven by opinions and personalities to being powered by facts and data. Strong ideas rose to the top; weak ones fell away. That’s what happens when leadership insists on process discipline—it builds a culture of clarity and accountability.

Addressing the Creativity Myth

Some worry that structure kills creativity. It doesn’t.
A process-centric culture doesn’t mean rigidity—it means intentionality.

Your creative process might include whiteboards, late-night pizza, or unfiltered brainstorming—and that’s fine. But there is a process, even if it’s unconventional. Defining it ensures creativity thrives without chaos.

Leadership in Action

Rule #22:
Ensure that clear, effective processes exist—and are used—for every key business function.

Action Step:
Ask your team to document their current processes. Then, review them together and keep asking two questions:

• Why? (to understand purpose)

• What would you change? (to drive improvement)

The answers will tell you everything you need to know about where your organization is—and where it’s capable of going.