Why map out workflows?
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Why map out workflows?
It can feel like a nebulous term, but has huge implications on what you get done, and how.
Welcome to Issue #31 of Notion Creators Weekly, where I share ~ 1 Big Idea & 3 Updates to help you work with more focus and intention. And thank you all for bringing us past 2,900 subscribers!
Summary
Why we over systematize, and how to stop planning and start acting. 👇🏼
A Deep Dive on Workflows Read the blog post
Business Goals in Notion Webinar is July 12th. RSVP Here!
Notion’s New Template Gallery is Here! How it works
Did you know Cron’s latest update allows you to sync your calendar with Notion? Learn more.
Remote work has been a godsend for employees: no more commuting, working in the comfort of home, and more flexibility on when/where work gets done, to name a few benefits.
And for solopreneurs and freelancers, the variety of tools available has allowed anyone with a computer and internet access to do more, faster.
But for managers, leading remote teams can be a challenge.
Most of my Notion consulting projects start as you might expect: building workspaces, setting up dashboards, or training teams.
But they often venture into broader territory: workflow optimization.
As a leader, your understanding and efficient implementation of workflows could be the turning point for your organization.
To avoid the potential to over-jargoning this blog post (coming from architecture and education, I know very well how easily jargon can run rampant), I’ve put together key takeaways on the intricacies of workflows, explore why they’re critical, and break down ten strategies to streamline them.
What is a Workflow?
First, let’s demystify the term “workflow”.
A workflow is a sequence of steps necessary to complete a task or process. Each step has a specific outcome and leads to the next phase.
In a company, workflows are the veins through which information and tasks flow. From handling customer inquiries to product development, workflows are involved in almost every aspect of a business. Understanding these flows is crucial because they dictate how efficiently your team can complete tasks.
The Cost of Inefficiency
Consider this: If each employee at a 50-person company spends just one hour a week on a task that could be eliminated through better workflow, the total lost time is 50 hours a week or 2,600 hours a year. That’s equivalent to more than a full-time employee! The tangible costs of inefficient workflows can be staggering, and that’s not even mentioning the intangible costs such as employee frustration and customer dissatisfaction.
Often, all it takes is a review of what work is getting done (we’ll get into auditing later), to determine which tasks can get automated, or removed altogether.
The Benefits of Streamlining Workflows
Now that the costs are clear, let’s talk benefits. Streamlining workflows can lead to better consistency, faster execution, decreased errors, higher motivation and less confusion. Clear workflows that have been optimized for max efficiency empower employees to focus on the tasks that truly matter and contribute to your company’s success.
There’s a common assumption that ‘teams that have systems for everything’ suck the creativity out of work, but it’s quite the opposite.
Having clarity and confidence in the workflows in place removes tons of micro-decisions amongst team members, leaving more space for solving complex problems and getting into deeper, more creative work.
I put together 10 strategies for designing better workflows, you can read more below!
🧑🏫 Webinar | Business Goals in Notion | This week!
July 12th | 02:00 PM EDT
Join us for a deep dive on defining, tracking, and reaching your business goals in Notion! We’ll break down practical strategies and step-by-step instructions to effectively manage your business goals in Notion.
🖼️ Notion’s New Template Gallery is Here!
It’s a game changer for users, creators, and teams.
For makers, users, and teams alike, this is a game-changer. Explore the expanded library of over 5000 templates, discover the seamless in-app gallery, and meet the brains behind the creations with the new creator profiles. Check out the blog post below to learn more about it, and how it makes finding the resources you need so much easier.
🤔 Did you know?
Cron just rolled out exciting new features that integrate neatly with Notion
If you’re using Cron (calendar app acquired by Notion), the latest update allows you to sync events with a meeting notes database, and neatly link Notion documents. 😍
🙌🏼 That’s it for this week!
I’d love to hear what you think. What content resonates? What do you want to see more or less of? Just hit reply to let me know!
And if you’re loving Notion Creators Weekly, I’d love it if you helped spread the word! 😀