What's Up? Replay: The Important Thing is the Process

A Replay from: August 18, 2023

As we revisit this reflection on the importance of process in HigherEd, it feels more relevant than ever, especially with Trump back in the political spotlight. His recent election has brought a renewed focus on reshaping the academy, targeting what he calls "woke ideology." This shift means that colleges and universities will face increased scrutiny and pressure to adapt their processes—from admissions to curriculum—potentially impacting everything we hold dear about academic freedom.

In this climate, the need for clear, well-defined processes is crucial. As I mentioned before, these procedures aren’t just rules; they’re frameworks for sound decision-making, especially when outside pressures mount. Staying committed to our processes can help us navigate these changes while ensuring that we uphold the values of higher education. It’s about finding that balance between flexibility and consistency, so we can weather the storm and continue to support our students and communities effectively.

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My very first supervisor when I was a Resident Assistant in 1987 had a framed picture on her office wall. It was a line of ducks walking down a path with the caption “The Important Thing is the Process.” At 20 years old I really didn’t understand why this warranted a frame on her office wall which was otherwise adorned with personal photos and her diploma. She explained that it had something to do with the attainment of perfection. Nowadays we speak about ‘the journey’ and I consider that our journey to self discovery is a process and it will be messy and not entirely straightforward. As I often say, life isn’t a roadmap, it’s a Waze. We know where we want to get, the exact route may require some rerouting, slow downs and detours. 

Photo by UX Indonesia on Unsplash

I am extraordinarily process oriented, and the mantra “The Important Thing is the Process” has come to mean something else to me in my professional life. Specifically, we need workflows, consistencies and standard processes that are shared among colleagues in order to make the most of our work. When I was a new professional at Boston University one of the first items handed to me was a “Standard Operating Procedure” manual. It was hefty. My more seasoned colleagues recommended I make a photocopy and put one in my apartment for on-call purposes. One of them even offered to put it in a ‘handy’ mini-binder for me. She took great care in reducing the text from 8.5 x 11” to 5.5 x 8.5” and then took to the guillotine-inspired cutting board to make sure the pages fit properly. It weighed as much as a cinderblock.