Group Flowcharting

Why Flowchart?
Flowcharting is useful for:
Provides a starting point/baseline view
Understanding the process
Identifying key problems/bottlenecks
Showing where to test ideas for most impact
Stimulating thinking results in brilliant ideas
Adding interactivity & fun gets the team together
Creating a simple & succinct visual process overview
Key Questions for Flowcharts

Is the name of the process clear?

Where does the process begin?

Where does the process stop?

What does the process include/not include?
Sample Flow Chart
Time from First Contact to Treatment

1
st
request for Complete Complete Begin
Treatment intake Intake Treatment
paperwork Assessment
Timeline Timeline Timeline Timeline
Steps for Successful Flowcharting
Define the Objective (e.g. see all clients within 24
hours)

Define the Process (e.g. admission process)

Define first and last step

Individually have each person write down process
steps on yellow Post it notes.


Steps for Successful Flowcharting

Have everyone place their yellow post it notes on the
flip chart so to create a flowchart.

Review the flowchart

Steps for Successful Flowcharting
Individually have each person use red Post its to
identify and record bottlenecks and blue post its to
describe solutions for process improvements.

Place blue and red post its on flowchart.

Review the suggested changes


Steps for Successful Flowcharting
Vote on those solutions to identify the top idea to test
first.
Members of each group are asked to select a first choice
(red circle), a second choice (blue circle) and a third
choice (green circle) on the post it note solution.
Prioritize the inefficiencies and potential solutions.
Generating Solutions
Nominal Group Technique