How well you complete the execution or process of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task, or function can be measured.  This measure is often refered to as a performance appraisal.

The appraisal can cover performance across a specified period (e.g., six or twelve months) or it can be for a specified task or series of tasks.  (e.g, how well you performed in a soccer or baseball game.)

Process is how you completed the task.  That is a defined series of actions or steps required to achieve the goal.  Often for repeatablility and consistency of performance, process steps are documented.

Achieving Results

The focus of this post is the synergy between performance and process.  Taken together, leveraging both competence and skill  associated with high performance and consistency and quality associated with defined process, the  likelihood of high quality results produced with minimal effort is much greater.

The key is to balance both these concepts.  A clear, simple process will enable a high performer to excel.  It positions medium and low performers for success as well.

Overall, documented processes that are easy to understand provide the framework for performance.  That is not to say high performance cannot be achieved without clear process, but the opportunity for exceptional process is increased.

Another feature of defined process is sustainability.  One characteristic of the North American economy is a higher percentage of employee turnover than 50 years ago.

As employee turnover,  the training effort is lowered  and consistency of results is stable when the processes (how a task is performed) are well defined.