Most teams don't realize they have a workflow problem until they're already in scramble mode—missed deadlines, frustrated team members, or a campaign launch that's suddenly off track.
But the signs of chaos show up long before the fire drill. You just have to know where to look.
Common Red Flags in Your Workflow
1. Work Gets Stuck in Limbo
Projects stall because someone’s waiting for feedback, but no one knows who’s supposed to give it—or when.
2. Scattered Updates
Important info is hiding in email threads, Slack messages, or hallway conversations. There’s no single source of truth, and everyone’s a little unsure about the latest status.
3. Unclear Roles and Ownership
Multiple people working on the same thing (without knowing it) or—worse—no one touching it because they thought someone else was handling it.
4. Missed Deadlines (Despite Everyone Being “Busy”)
Your team isn’t underperforming—they’re just working in an inefficient system.
5. Fire Drills Are the Norm
Last-minute changes, rushed reviews, and weekend scrambles? That’s not just “how it is”—it’s a process issue.
The Fix: Start by Naming What's Not Working
Before you can streamline your process, you have to spot the chaos hiding in plain sight.
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Conduct a Workflow Audit: Evaluate what's working and what's not.
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Map Things Out: A visual representation will help your team identify issues and get one step closer to finding process solutions.
- Bring in an Expert: A specialist in workflows and processes may see things from a different perspective and share valuable insights with you more quickly.
By identifying these red flags early, you can take proactive steps to address them, leading to more efficient workflows and happier teams.
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