Key Points

• A process owner is someone tasked with being responsible for the operation and design of a process.
• It can lead to an increased workload for certain individuals, considering the work that goes into a process.
• However, it allows for the development of good communication in an organization, especially when it comes time to improve or design new processes.

The role of a process owner in Lean Six Sigma goes beyond being a mere title or designation. By assigning dedicated process owners, organizations can unlock the true potential of their processes, driving efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction

In today’s dynamic business landscape, organizations constantly strive for efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement, all of which are goals when implementing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) initiatives. Central to the success of LSS is the concept of the process owner. The process owner plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless functioning, improvement, and alignment of a specific process within an organization.

Overview: What (or Who) Is a Process Owner?

In LSS, a process owner is an individual who assumes responsibility for the end-to-end management of a specific process within an organization. This role is vital in ensuring the process’s smooth functioning, optimization, and continuous improvement. The process owner acts as a champion, overseeing the various aspects of the process, including its design, execution, monitoring, and improvement.

3 Drawbacks to Process Owner(ship)

An effective process owner can help an organization achieve important benefits like collective accountability, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. On the other hand, unsuccessful implementation can face problematic drawbacks, such as:

1. Increased Workload

Taking on the role of a process owner can potentially increase an individual’s workload. Juggling the responsibilities of overseeing a process, addressing issues, and driving improvement initiatives requires time and effort. Organizations need to ensure that the process owner’s workload is manageable and that they have the necessary support and resources.

2. Resistance to Change

Introducing a process owner may result in resistance from employees who are accustomed to the existing way of doing things. It is a change with the potential to be met with skepticism or fear if employees perceive the process owner as a source of additional scrutiny or control. Effective change management strategies and clear communication are crucial to address such concerns.

3. Dependency on Individual Expertise

The effectiveness of the process owner role heavily relies on the individual’s expertise, experience, and capabilities. If the process owner lacks the necessary knowledge or skills, it may hinder the successful execution of their responsibilities. Organizations should provide adequate training and support to ensure process owners are equipped for their roles.

Why Is a Process Owner Important to Understand?

Understanding the concept of process owner is essential for organizations aiming to implement Lean Six Sigma effectively. By having clear roles and responsibilities, organizations can establish accountability, drive process improvement, and foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. The process owner plays a pivotal role in aligning the process with organizational goals, driving efficiency, and ensuring the highest quality standards.

An Industry Example of a Process Owner

One industry that highlights the significance of process owners is healthcare. In a hospital setting, patient care involves multiple processes, such as admission, diagnosis, treatment, and discharge. Each process requires coordination and optimization to ensure the best possible patient outcomes. Assigning process owners to oversee these critical processes enables hospitals to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve patient satisfaction.

For instance, a process owner responsible for the discharge process would ensure that patients experience a smooth transition from the hospital to their home or another care facility. They would focus on eliminating bottlenecks, streamlining documentation, and coordinating with various departments to ensure proper patient education and post-discharge follow-up.

3 Best Practices When It Comes to Process Owners

1. Clearly Defined Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the process owner is crucial. This ensures that there is no ambiguity regarding their authority, tasks, and expectations. Additionally, aligning the process owner’s goals with organizational objectives helps establish a sense of purpose and direction.

2. Effective Communication and Collaboration

Process owners need to establish effective communication channels with stakeholders, team members, and other process owners. Regular collaboration and feedback sessions facilitate knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and a holistic understanding of the process. This promotes a culture of continuous improvement and drives the collective success of the organization.

3. Continuous Learning and Development

To excel in their role, process owners should continuously enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools. Organizations should invest in training programs, workshops, and resources to support process owners’ professional development. This empowers them to identify improvement opportunities, implement best practices, and drive positive change.

How It Differs From Process Management

While some people use process manager and owner interchangeably, that’s a rather narrow view of the concept. Process owners shoulder a lot more of the responsibility that goes into a process. They are focused on aspects like improvement, design, and even aligning the process with their organization’s short or long-term goals. Process managers simply keep an eye on the process’s daily operation.

Other Useful Tools and Concepts

Looking for some other information on roles in your organization? You might do well to learn about what defines and makes a team leader. Leadership is key when it comes to any aspect of an organization, and learning what makes an effective leader can make or break your next project.

Additionally, you might want to take a closer look at meetings. Sure, not everyone is happy to sit through a meeting, but there are ways to design them to meet your goals while keeping everyone engaged. Our guide on the subject should point you in the right direction.

Process Owners Bring Positive Change

The process owner acts as a catalyst for positive change, aligning the process with strategic goals, fostering collaboration, and relentlessly pursuing process optimization. While challenges may arise, such as managing workloads and navigating resistance to change, organizations that embrace the concept of process owners and provide the necessary support and resources will reap the rewards of improved operational performance and sustainable success.

As Lean Six Sigma continues to evolve, the role of the process owner will remain instrumental in creating leaner, more efficient organizations poised to thrive in a competitive business landscape.