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The Comparison Between Process Driven And Results Driven
When it comes to doing a job, the majority of working folk fall in either one of the two categories. They can either be driven by results, or driven by the process. The distinctions between these two disciplines are not often discernible to most. However, knowing the difference between being process-driven and results-driven, as well as choosing to follow the right ideology, could already go a long way in determining how successful you will be in your chosen career. So let’s discuss.
“The greater danger for most of us isn’t that our aim is too high and miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” ―
Process-Driven
As the term already suggests, the process takes precedence over anything else with a process-driven mindset. So in order to get the work done, you find the need to follow a strict set of tasks performed in sequence until you achieve the desired outcome.
Being process-driven has some great advantages. People, in general, are better able to do their work independently by following a specifically designed process. Basically, as long as they do not deviate from the routine, they will have very little need for supervision. All they need to do is work towards the goal without changing, adding, or skipping any steps.
On the process-driven organization’s side, their responsibilities lie in developing a great process, eliminating waste and redundancy from that process, and ultimately, making this process a standard throughout the organization. With this, great results are almost always guaranteed.
Now, we say “almost” always guaranteed because being process-driven does have its own set of disadvantages. Take the decreased need for supervision, for instance. Even with the best processes created and firmly in place, some employees can still potentially make bad decisions, which could undermine the end results that you intend to achieve. Furthermore, it is so easy to become a slave to the process, which means that results would invariably take the backseat.
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” ― Zig Ziglar
Results-Driven
On the other side of the spectrum, we have the results-driven mindset. This is mostly self-explanatory. By being results-driven, your focus is in – what else? –results. Basically, by being results-driven, you set specific end goals, and then create action plans, use tools, and match results to achieve them. From an organizational perspective, the concentration is on meeting objectives and delivering them on time, within budget, and in excellent quality. Ergo, performance is valued higher than procedures.
The results-driven mindset also has a number of notable advantages. First of all, because of its focus on results, needs will be addressed as and when they arise. Not only that, having a results-driven frame of mind ensures that growth is steady and inevitable, both for the individual and the company. Best of all, this focus on results encourages initiative and dynamism, and even show leadership.
On the downside, focusing solely on results can lead to a clash of objectives among departments. Not only that, this could lead to a very narrow perspective. And because of one’s focus on very specific results, one might invariably miss out on other available opportunities, too.
“Since self-control is vital to reaching long-term goals, befriending people with willpower could be the secret to success. Whether you’re tempted to skip that workout at the gym, or you’re considering blowing this month’s budget, spending time with a disciplined friend could boost your motivation to maintain healthy habits.” ― Amy Morin
Opt For The Journey Than The Destination For The Long Term Success
Having a goal is a good thing. As a matter of fact, a goal is an awesome thing to have. A goal keeps you focused and gives you purpose. A goal also gives you forward motion and growth. But what happens when you do reach that purpose, when you’ve achieved that goal? What then? Therein lies the rub.
A lot of people make the mistake of treating success as the end all and be all of their existence. As a result, when they do attain that success and reach their goal, it is often anticlimactic. They are only able to enjoy it briefly before restlessness and boredom set in. This is because people are naturally hardwired to be discontented with the status quo. There’s nothing wrong with that, but admittedly, it can be quite a downer. If that’s the case, how can you really and truly bask in your success? It’s simple, really. You just need to focus on your journey. That’s right. You need to play closer attention to the processes and procedures – the steps and struggles – that got you where you are now.
So why should you focus less on the result and more on the technique? Let us count the ways.
“Keep yourself motivated. You’ve got to be motivated, you’ve got to wake up every day and understand what that day is about; you’ve got to have personal goals – short term goals, intermediate goals, and long term goals. Be flexible in getting to those goals, but if you do not have goals, you will not achieve them.” ― Gary Cohn
It Gives You Control
Whether or not you reach a specific goal is something you cannot control. What you can control is the process you use to get there. You are well within your power to give it your best shot, or not. It’s really all up to you. And by having this measure of control, you will be more empowered to move forward. Plus, it does wonders for self-esteem.
It Encourages You To Experiment
Because you’re in control, you can pretty much do whatever you want. This will then give you the requisite courage to think out-of-the-box and take long shots – something you’re not likely to do, if you’re too focused on the end result. Who knows? You may even stumble on a better outcome than what you were initially going for.
You Learn As You Go Along
The fact of the matter is even the most flawless effort can still fail. On the other hand, a flawed effort can lead to success. Inevitably, you will find that even failure will bring you lessons – lessons that can contribute to the desired outcome in time.
You’ll Enjoy Yourself
Focusing on future outcomes far off in the horizon is okay. It is not okay, however, for your happiness to rely on that future event. Life is lived in the present, after all. By focusing on every step of your journey instead of the results, you will experience every event more fully, which, in turn, will help you learn faster. Not only that, you will be able to appreciate your own efforts a lot more.
You’ll Earn Confidence
It may not be confidence that you will reach your goal, but it is the confidence that you are on the right track. As a result, you will find yourself more confident to face whatever outcome the future might bring because you know that you’ll be happy, no matter what. The more you focus on the process rather than the success that you haven’t earned yet, the more confident you’ll be.