Important Business Process Management Traits
To excel in the field of business process management, you need to have comprehensive knowledge of relevant tools, strategies and best practices. However, while experience and education are both key factors in your success as a business process manager, a recent study of business process management characteristics* showed that certain qualities were prevalent among the top performers. Likewise, those categorized as poor performers appeared to have a number of traits in common. If you aspire to obtain a business process manager job or promotion, it’s helpful to be aware of these characteristics so you can play up your positive attributes and work to improve any negative ones.
Traits of Best Performers
In the Analysis of Business Process Management Skills and Characteristics study, respondents indicated that 97% of the best performers had above-average intelligence. In addition, the top business process managers were universally perceived to be above average in terms of problem-solving and their ability to learn new skills. Survey respondents noted that high performers shared a number of other positive traits, including:
- Highly organized
- Thorough
- Open-minded
- Dedicated to customer satisfaction and quality
- Effective at teaching and motivating others
- Able to identify challenges and opportunities
- Capable of leading change
- Inclined toward a systematic approach to business process management
Researchers found that most prevalent qualities for outstanding performers were an ability to communicate with many different types of people at every level of the organization and a holistic view of business process management. According to the survey participants, exceptional business process managers tend to be natural team players who can clearly explain business processes to colleagues in non-process-oriented roles.
Traits of Worst Performers
When asked about their organization’s worst performers, survey respondents described these business process managers as inefficient, impatient, unorganized and unable to see the big picture. Poor performers lacked effective communication and listening skills, and were not inclined to take initiative or make suggestions. While only 10% of subpar business process managers were considered to have below-average intelligence, approximately one-third were regarded as below average in terms of their ability to solve problems (32%) and learn new skills (37%).
Based on the survey participants’ feedback, individuals who do not take a proactive approach to their work will struggle in the field of business process management. Indecisiveness, poor teamwork and resistance to change will also limit the ability of a business process manager to perform at the highest level.
Business Process Manager Experience and Training
According to the survey findings, it’s clear that the primary characteristic separating top performers from underperformers was their ability to learn new skills. For this reason, most employers will carefully consider a candidate’s experience and training when seeking to fill a business process manager position. Obviously, many companies will give preference to individuals with a proven history of business process management successes. However, relative newcomers to the field can distinguish themselves with formal business process management training. Completion of a professional education program demonstrates an individual’s aptitude for learning and dedication to project management excellence.
Hone Your Business Process Management Expertise 100% Online
If you’re looking to advance as a business process manager, consider the Business Process Management Certificate offered by the University of San Francisco (USF). It’s the only expert-led, university-backed, 100% online certificate program of its kind. Regionally accredited and ranked among “America’s Top Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, the University of San Francisco has established a reputation as a leader in professional education.
The University of San Francisco’s certificate program consists of three eight-week certificate courses: Applied Business Process Management, Advanced Business Process Management Methodology and Business Process Management Design & Implementation. All courses are delivered through an advanced, video-based e-learning platform that is available 24/7, so it’s easy to schedule lessons around work and your personal life. You can view lectures and other materials at your convenience via streaming video, MP4 downloads or CD-ROM, and communicate with your classmates and instructors through email, online discussion boards, live chat and two-way voice over IP (VOIP).
Upon completion of each course, you’ll receive a framed certificate marking your achievement; and at the end of the three-course series, you’ll be awarded an Business Process Management Certificate. When you add these prestigious credentials to your résumé, you’ll validate your expertise and position yourself as a top contender for the best business process manager jobs available.
* Drs. Yvonne Lederer Antonucci and Richard J. Goeke. Analysis of Business Process Management Skills and Characteristics. Widener University, May 7, 2009; accessed September 24, 2010.
