DESIRE PATHS

Desire Paths: The Hidden Dynamics of Your Organisation

In every organisation, there's an invisible map of how work truly gets done. While official processes and flowcharts dictate one route, the reality often takes a different turn. These informal, yet highly efficient, shortcuts are known as "desire paths," and they offer invaluable insights into the inner workings of your business.

The Genesis of Desire Paths

A desire path is the unofficial route people take to get to where they need to go. In a physical space, it's the well-trodden shortcut across a lawn, bypassing a paved sidewalk. In a business context, it's the workaround that employees create to complete a task more efficiently, such as:

• Bypassing a Complex Approval Process: Employees might find a shortcut to get a quick sign-off, revealing that the official process is a bottleneck.
• Using a Different Tool: A team might use a tool outside the standard suite because it's more effective, signaling an inefficiency in the approved technology.
• Informal Communication Channels: People might use direct messaging to get answers instead of waiting for a formal meeting, showing a need for faster, more direct communication.

A Lean Technique for Waste Reduction

Desire paths are not simply a sign of laziness; they are a form of Lean-based waste reduction. They emerge when a system is too rigid, and people instinctively seek a better way to do their work. Observing these paths can help you identify sources of waste, such as:

• Unnecessary Processing: A desire path might reveal that a multi-step process can be condensed into a single step.
• Excessive Motion: Bypassing a series of meetings for a quick chat highlights unnecessary motion in a workflow.

Desire Paths and Organisational Culture

The way an organisation reacts to desire paths speaks volumes about its culture. An organisation that encourages these workarounds likely values innovation, employee empowerment, and results. It sees them as opportunities for improvement. In contrast, an organisation that discourages or punishes them may stifle creativity and adaptability.

The Risks of Desire Paths

While desire paths can be beneficial, they also carry risks. When employees circumvent official procedures, they might bypass important safety, compliance, or quality checks. Leaders must be mindful of these risks and address them proactively.

How Leaders Can Leverage Desire Paths

Instead of fighting desire paths, leaders can use them as a tool for positive change.

1. Be Observant: Pay attention to how people actually work, not just how the official process says they should. Listen to the “water cooler” conversations and watch for unexpected shortcuts.
2. Be Open-Minded: Instead of punishing workarounds, be curious about why they exist. This is an opportunity to learn and improve.
3. Be Proactive: Once you identify a desire path, engage with the team to understand the root cause. This information can be used to improve the official process, making it more efficient for everyone.
4. Be Mindful of Risk: Carefully assess whether a desire path compromises safety, compliance, or quality. If it does, work with the team to find a solution that balances efficiency with risk mitigation.
5. Be Adaptable: Your organisation’s structure should be flexible enough to change. Use the insights from desire paths to adjust processes and systems, not just once, but continuously.