The Biological Staircase Effect and its Similarity with Business Process Development
Biological Processes:
- The staircase effect, or the Treppe phenomenon, describes the progressive increase in muscle contraction strength with repeated stimulation.
- Mechanism: Successive Stimuli: Muscles are subjected to repeated stimuli with complete relaxation between contractions. Initial Contractions: The first few contractions show a gradual increase in force. Muscle Fiber Activation: Initial muscle fibers stretch and contract, easing the way for subsequent fibers. Progressive Building: Each set of fibers builds upon the strength and motion achieved by the previous set. Full Strength: This process continues until the muscle reaches its full strength and motion.
- Examples: Warming Up: Athletes warming up experience the Treppe effect as their muscles gradually increase in strength and flexibility. Physical Therapy: Patients in rehabilitation exercises see incremental improvement in muscle performance with repeated, controlled movements.
Interestingly, the initial set of muscle fibers does not demand to take the process to the finish line, in this case, a full muscle contraction.
They just perform their part, which seems partially done in the beginning.
Business Processes:
Business process development within teams can emulate the staircase effect for continuous improvement.
In biology, the initial set of muscle fibers does not demand to take the process to the finish line (a full contraction of muscle).
In business process development, it is imperative that the teams must act like muscle fibers and play their role.
Business Process Development:
- Sequential Progress: Initial Group: A group of individuals initiates the process, bringing it to a certain level. Subsequent Group: The next group takes over, reaching the point achieved by the first group and surpassing it with additional progress. Building Upon Foundation: Each successive group builds upon the foundation laid by the previous team. Cumulative Improvement: This pattern ensures continuous improvement and maximizes the overall strength and efficiency of the business process.
- Danger: Teams who demand to get to the finish line in the first few go, sabotage the desired results.
- Implementation: Project Phases: Projects are divided into phases, with each team responsible for advancing the project beyond the previous phase.
- Key Principles: Collaboration: Each team collaborates and communicates with the next to ensure seamless transitions and knowledge transfer. Evaluation and Feedback: Regular evaluation and feedback mechanisms help each team understand their progress and areas for improvement. Training and Support: Providing adequate training and support ensures that each team is well-prepared to take the process to the next level.
Conclusion:
- Business process development works similarly to the biological phenomenon of the staircase effect.
- Multiple Efforts: Some processes require many strides, often involving multiple efforts. This means that the destination is more often visible. Not having a destination is not too bad for developing business processes.
- Ultimate Goal: Through cumulative, step-by-step progression, the desired destination is ultimately achieved.
This approach mirrors the biological Treppe phenomenon (Staircase Effect), ensuring that progress is built incrementally and sustainably, leading to enhanced performance and success.
- Do not expect that the team that started the process will take the process to the finish line.
- There will be many small teams involved in a process development exercise
- Many teams will function in their capacity, and in some cases, they will be able to see the finish line while they are working in the process
Every individual and group must perform their part, progressing through their assigned phase.
But in the end, everyone will see the finish line!
Saleem Shah is the Founder of Collaborative Patient Care Group (CPCG). This visionary organization empowers businesses to optimize their operations and achieve global competitiveness through strategic offshoring, workforce evolution, process design, and technology development. With a background as a pharmacist turned entrepreneur, Saleem brings a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to transforming human capital management. His innovative rules, such as the ‘Fragmentation Rule’, RCI model, and cost reduction approaches, have helped countless businesses unlock their full potential by leveraging the power of global talent while simultaneously elevating their onshore workforce.
